
Class. 
Book. 



ill \ r n 



w 



rUS 



Copyright}^^ 



CORfRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE 



Pistol and Revolver 



By 
A. L. A. HIMMELWRIGHT 

President, United States Revolver Association ; Director and Life Member, New 

York State Pdfle Association; Captain, American Team, Second Franco- 

Ainencan International Revolver Match; Chairman, Revolver 

Committee, Manhattan Rifle and Revolver Association, etc. 



ILLUSTRATED 



% 



NEW YORK 

PRINTED BY 



J. J LITTLE & CO. 
1908 



UBRARYofCO^saeESs] 


Two Copies 


H&c&)t^& 


MAR 5 


1908 




ci)iry 






'.x: 



Copyright, 1904, 
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 

Copyright, 1908, 
By a. L. a. HIMMELWRIGHT 



Note. — A large portion of the subject matter 
in this volume was published originally in Gu7ts, 
Ammi4.nition^ and Tackle (American Sports- 
man's Library), copyright, 1904, by The Mac- 
millan Co. 



NC 



DEDICATED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

ARTHUR CORBIX GOULD 



" Every right-minded and patriotic citizen 
of the United States should be a good marks- 
inan. It is a duty he owes to his country 
under her present liberal institutions, which 
do not exact military service, but presume 
reliance in a large measure on citizen soldiery 
in case of war." 



PREFACE 

Interest in pistol and revolver shooting has 
increased very rapidly in recent years and par- 
ticularly since smokeless powder has been intro- 
duced. 

The revolver and the magazine pistol now 
constitute part of the regular equipment of army 
and navy officers and cavalry troops. Regula- 
tions governing practice shooting with these 
arms have been issued and adopted by both 
branches of the service and by the National 
Guard of the various States. In the National 
Rifle Association and in the various State Rifle 
Associations that have recently been organized, 
pistol and revolver shooting has an important 
place, and the matches provided are largely 
patronized. In the numerous civilian shooting 
clubs scattered throughout the country pistol 
and revolver shooting has become extremely 
popular, and in many cases the majority of the 
members practice more frequently with the 
smaller arms than with the rifle. 

Practice with the pistol and revolver affords 
training in sighting, steady holding and pulling 



6. Preface 

the trigger, which are the essential features of 
rifle shooting also. On account of this relation, 
and the fact that skill with these arms can be 
instantly utilized in rifle shooting, the develop- 
ment of marksmanship with the pistol and re- 
volver properly assumes national importance. 

While numerous standard works have been 
written on the subject of rifle shooting, there is 
comparatively little information available on 
pistol and revolver shooting. The object of 
this volume is to supply practical information 
on this subject. The author has attempted to 
treat the subject in a clear and concise manner, 
keeping the size of the volume as small as prac- 
ticable and so as to be conveniently carried in 
the pocket. Particular pains have been taken 
to give sound advice and elementary instruction 
to beginners. 

The author extends his grateful acknowledg- 
ments to Messrs. J. B. Crabtree, John T- 
Humphrey, William E. Carlin, Chas. S. Axtell, 
Walter Winans, Walter G. Hudson, Ed. Tay- 
lor, J. E. Silliman, M. Hays, Baron Speck von 
Sternburg, and the various arms and ammunition 
manufacturers referred to herein, for valuable 
suggestions, information and data in preparing 
this volume. 

A. L. A. HiMMELWRIGHT. 



CONTENTS 



Dedication . 
Preface 
Contents 
Illustrations 
Historical . 
Arms . 

Military 

Target 

Pocket . 
Ammunition 

Rim-fire Cartridges 

Central-fire Cartridges 

Sights 

Position ..... 

Target Shooting 

Revolver Practice for the Police 

Pistol Shooting for Ladies 

Clubs and Ranges . 

Hints to Beginners 

Selection of Arms . 

Manipulation 

Position and Aiming 

Target Practice . 

Cleaning and Care of Arms 
Reloading Ammunition 

Primers 

Shells 

Bullets 

Powders ..... 

Reloading 



3 

5 

7 

9 
II 

15 
i6 

24 
31 

34 

35 

3^ 

53 

55 
61 

82 

S6 

90 

100 

100 

105 
106 

III 
121 
124 
125 
125 
126 

132 
136 



8 Contents 

APPENDIX 

PAGE 

Annual Championship Matches of the United 
States Revolver Association .... 143 

Rules and Regulations Governing the Cham- 
pionship Matches 146 

Methods and Customs Followed in Conducting 
THE Annual Championship Matches . . 149 

Instructions to Range Officers in Charge of 
THE Annual Championship Matches . . 151 

Records of the United States Revolver Asso- 
ciation ........ 152 

INDEX - « 155 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGE 

Revolvers ... . . . 19, 21, 23, ;^;^ 

Pistols 23, 25, 27, 33 

Pistol and Revolver Cartridges and Bullets ^6 to 47 

Sights 53, 54 

Shooting Positions: 

Walter Winans, C. S. Axtell . . . 57 
Thomas Anderton, C. S. Richmond . . 58 
E. E. Patridge, Sergt. W. E. Petty . 59 

J. E. Gorman, Dr. R. H. Sayre . . .60 
Standard American Target .... 78 

Combination Set. — Smith and Wesson .38-CAL. 

Revolver, .22-CAL. Pistol, Utensils, etc, in Case 89 
Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for 
50-YARD Range ....... 93 

Details of Booths at Firing Line, *^ Trolleys," 

AND Butt for Gallery Ranges • • . 95 
Correct Manner of Holding the Revolver . 102 
Correct Position of the Sights in Aiming at 

the Target 108 

The Travel of the Line of the Sights about 

THE Bull's-eye in Aiming. .... 108 
Moulding Bullets . . . . . . 128 



THE PISTOL AND REVOLVER 

Pistol-shooting as a pastime has been practised 
since the time of the discovery of gunpowder. 
It is only recently, however, that it has been rec- 
ognized as a legitimate sport. 

The useful and practical qualities of the pistol 
and revolver have been developed almost wholly 
during the last half-century. Before this period 
the small arms designed to be fired with one hand 
were crude and inaccurate, and were intended to 
be used only at short range as weapons of defence. 
The single-barrelled muzzle-loading pistol has, 
nevertheless, been part of the army and navy 
officer's equipment since the sixteenth century. 
These pistols were of large caliber, smooth-bored, 
heavy, and unwieldy. The load was a spherical 
bullet and a large charge of powder. Enough 
accuracy was obtained to hit a man at 15 to 
20 paces, which was deemed sufficient. The 
usefulness of these arms in action was limited to 
the firing of a single shot, and then using them 

II 



12 The Pistol and Revolver 

as missiles or clubs. The pistol in early days was 
considered a gentleman's arm — a luxury. It 
was the arm generally selected for duelling when 
that code was in vogue, the contestants standing 
I o to 20 paces apart and firing at the word of 
command. 

The development of the pistol has been con- 
temporaneous and closely identified with that of 
the rifle. With the grooving or rifling of the 
barrel, the accuracy was greatly improved and 
the arm adapted to conical bullets. Although 
numerous attempts were made to devise a multi- 
shot arm with flint, wheel, and match locks, it was 
not until the percussion cap was invented that a 
practicable arm of this character was produced. 
This was a "revolver'' invented by Colonel Colt 
of Hartford, Conn., and consisted of a single barrel 
with a revolving cylinder at the breech containing 
the charges, the mechanism being such that the 
cocking of the piece after each discharge revolved 
the cylinder sufficiently to bring a loaded chamber 
in line with the barrel. The greatest advance in 
the development of firearms was the introduction 
of the system of breech-loading, employing am- 
munition in the form of cartridges. This principle 
rendered the operation of loading much simpler 



Historical 13 

and quicker, and vastly improved the efficiency 
and general utility of the arms.^ 

The present popularity of pistol and re- 
volver shooting is due, no doubt, to recent im- 
provements in the arms and ammunition. The 
arms are now marvels of fine workmanship, easy 
to manipulate, durable, and extremely accurate. 
With the introduction of smokeless powders, the 
smoke, fouling, and noise have been reduced to 
a minimum. The effect of these improvements 
has been, not only to increase the efficiency 
of the arms, but also the pleasure of shooting 
them. 

As a sport, pistol shooting has much to com- 
mend it. It is a healthful exercise, being practised 
out-of-doors in the open air. There are no un- 
desirable concomitants, such as gambling, coarse- 
ness, and rough and dangerous play. In order to 
excel, regular and temperate habits of life must be 
formed and maintained. It renders the senses 
more alert and trains them to act in unison and in 

1 For a detailed history of the evolution of the pistol and revolver, the 
reader is referred to "Text-book for Officers at Schools of Musketry," 
Longman & Co., London; "Kriegstechnische Zeitschrift," Heft I and II, 
1901, Mittler & Sohn, Berlin; "The Modern American Pistol and Re- 
volver," Bradlee Whidden, Boston. Many interesting specimens of ancient 
and modern pistols and revolvers are owned and exhibited by the United 
States Cartridge Company of Lowell, Mass. 



14 The Pistol and Revolver 

harmony. But, above all, skill in shooting is a 
useful accomplishment. 

Any one possessing ordinary health and good 
sight may, by practice, become a good pistol shot. 
Persons who are richly endowed by nature with 
those physical qualities which specially fit them 
for expert shooting, will, of course, master the art 
sooner than those less favored ; but it has been 
conclusively shown that excellence is more a 
question of training and practice than of natural 
gift Some of the most brilliant shooting has. 
been done by persons possessing a decidedly 
nervous temperament; but those of phlegmatic 
temperament will generally make more uniform 
and reliable marksmen. 

It is much more difficult to shoot well with the 
pistol or revolver than with the rifle. The latter, 
having a stock to rest against the shoulder and 
steady one end of the piece, has a decided advantage 
in quick aiming and in pulling the trigger. The 
former, without a stock and being held in one 
hand with the arm extended so as to be free from 
the body, is without any anchor or support what- 
ever, and is free to move in all directions. Con- 
sequently the least jar, jerk in pulling the trigger, 
puff of wind, or unsteadiness of the hand greatly 



Arms 1 5 

disturbs the aim. Intelligent practice will, how- 
ever, overcome these difficulties and disadvantages 
to such a degree that an expert shot with a pistol 
or revolver under favorable conditions can equal 
a fair shot with a rifle at the target up to 200 yd. 
When the novice essays to shoot the pistol or 
revolver, the results are generally disappointing 
and discouraging; but rapid progress invariably 
rewards the efforts of those who persevere, and 
when once thoroughly interested in this style of 
shooting, there comes a fascination for it that 
frequently endures throughout a lifetime. 

Arms 

The term " pistol " is frequently applied indis- 
criminately to the single-shot pistol and the re- 
volver. A marked distinction between these arms 
has gradually been developed. The pistol is now 
recognized as a single-shot arm, adapted for a 
light charge, and designed to secure extreme 
accuracy. Its use is limited almost exclusively 
to target and exhibition shooting. 

The modern revolver is an arm with a re- 
volving cylinder holding five or six cartridges, 
which are at the instant command of the shooter 
before it is necessary to reload. It is designed 



1 6 The Pistol and Revolver 

for heavy charges, and is a practical and for- 
midable weapon. Revolvers are made in great va- 
riety, and adapted for various purposes, such as 
military service, target shooting, pocket weapons, 
etc. The best grades of pistols and revolvers 
may be had at a reasonable price. The cheap 
grades with which the market is at all times 
flooded should be avoided. They are incapable 
of doing good work, and frequently are positively 
dangerous, on account of being made of inferior 
materials. 

Military Arms. — The revolver and the maga- 
zine pistol are used for military service. To ful- 
fil the requirements these arms must be strong, 
very durable, and withstand a great amount of 
hard usage without becoming disabled. The 
effectiveness, or "stopping power," is of prime 
importance. The caliber should be large, and 
the charge sufficiently powerful to give a pene- 
tration of at least 6 in. in pine. There has been 
a tendency in recent years to reduce the caliber 
of military revolvers. While this has resulted in 
increased velocity and penetration, and reduced 
the weight of the ammunition, it has not im- 
proved the stopping power of the arms. 

The sights must in all cases be very substan- 



Arms 1^ 

tial, and solidly fixed to the frame or barrel. The 
trigger pull varies from 4 to 8 lb., the barrel 
from 4 to 7^- in. in length, and the weight from 2 
to 2f lb. Ammunition loaded with smokeless 
powder is now invariably used for military 
service. 

The service revolvers as issued to the United 
States army and navy are the Smith & Wesson 
and Colt, both .38 cal., and taking the same am- 
munition. They have passed the prescribed 
series of tests as established by the United States 
government,^ and represent, without doubt, the 
highest development of the military revolver. 

The arms shown in Figs, i and 2 have solid 
frames, and the actions are almost identical, the 
cylinder swinging out to the left, on a hinge, 
when released by a catch. The shells may then 
be extracted simultaneously by pushing back the 
extractor rod. The Smith & Wesson has an ad- 
ditional locking device in front of the cylinder. 
The principal difference between these arms is in 
the shape of the handles. 

Other excellent military revolvers are the 
Smith & Wesson Russian Model and the Colt 

1 See Ordnance Reports, Department of War, Washington, D. C, for 
complete details of tests, etc. 



1 8 The Pistol and Revolver 

New Service, both .44 cal. The ammunition for 
these arms was formerly loaded with black 
powder; but smokeless cartridges have been 
adapted to them, which give slightly increased 
velocity and approximately the same accuracy. 

The Smith & Wesson Russian Model has a 
hinge "tip-up" action, with an automatic eject- 
ing device. The action is operated by raising a 
catch in front of the hammer. It is easy to ma- 
nipulate, and, on account of the accessibility of 
the breech, the barrel can be readily inspected 
and cleaned. This arm is single action. 

The action of the Colt New Service is similar 
to that of the .38-cal. revolver, shown in Fig. 2, 
with a solid frame. It is double action. 

The foregoing arms, with good ammunition, 
are capable of making groups of ten shots on a 
3-in. circle at 50 yd. 

The Colt Frontier Model is one of the most 
popular arms for hard service. It has a solid 
frame and is double action. The arm is operated 
by opening a gate on the right-hand side, back of 
the cylinder. The cartridges are inserted in the 
cylinder through the gate, the cylinder being re- 
volved by hand until the respective chambers 
come opposite the gate. In the same manner, 




Fig. I . — Smith & Wesson New Military Revolver, 
Six shots; 6^-inch barrel; weight, i lb., 15 oz. ; .38 cal. 




Fig. 2. — Colt New Army Revolver. 
Six shots; 6-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb.; .38 cal. 




Fig. 3. — Smith & Wesson Russian Model Revolver. 
Six shots; 6^-inch barrel; weight, 39 J oz.; .44 cal. 



^o The Pistol and Revolver 

the shells are ejected by pushing the extractor 
rod back into each of the chambers. 

This revolver in 45 cal. was formerly the ser- 
vice weapon of the United States army, and is 
very powerful and durable. 

The Smith & Wesson Schofield Model, .45 cal, 
was also formerly a United States service weapon. 
The ammunition for this arm, while less powerful 
than the .45 Colt, was admirably adapted for mil- 
itary service, and had much less recoil. 

The Webley, " W. G." or "Army Model," re- 
volver is an English arm of much merit. The 
calibre is .455. It has a hinge "tip-up" action, 
with an automatic extractor very similar to the 
Smith & Wesson. 

The service weapon adopted by the Joint War 
Office and Admiralty Committee for the British 
army and navy is the "Webley Mark IV," or 
"Service Model," revolver. This model is almost 
identical with the Army Model, except that the 
barrel is 4 in. long and the weight is 2 lb. 3 oz. 
On account of the short barrel, the accuracy of this 
weapon does not equal that of the Army Model. 

Another English arm is the "Webley-Fosbury " 
automatic revolver. The recoil revolving the 
cylinder and cocking the hammer, it can be fired 




Fig. 4. — Colt New Service Revolver. 
Six shots; 5 1 -inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 8 oz.; .45 cal. 




Fig. 5. — Colt Frontier ^lodel Revolver. 
Six shots; 5j-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 5 oz. ; .45 cal. 




Fig. 6. — Webley "W. G." Army Model Revolver. 
Six shots; 6-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 8 oz.; .455 cal. 



22 The Pistol and Revolver 

as rapidly as the automatic pistols. It is cham- 
bered for the 455 service cartridge loaded with 
6^ gr. of cordite. This arm has been introduced 
since 1900. 

The magazine or automatic pistol, which is 
operated by the recoil, is the latest type of hand 
firearm. It has been perfected and introduced 
since 1899, and has almost double the velocity 
and range of the revolver. The Colt, Luger, 
Mauser, Mannlicher, and Mors are among the 
leading makes of this style of pistol. All of these 
arms have been tested by the United States gov- 
ernment.^ A limited number of the first two 
named have been used since 1903 in the United 
States army. 

In both the Colt and the Luger pistols the car- 
tridges are inserted in clips and fed into the 
breech through the handle. In the Mauser pistol 
the cartridges are supplied in clips from the top 
and forced into a magazine located in front of the 
trigger. 

The magazine pistols can be fired at the rate 
of about five shots per second. These arms equal 
the best military revolvers in accuracy. 

1 See Ordnance Reports, Department of War, Washington, D.C., for 
complete details of tests, etc. 




Fig. 7. — Webley-Fosbury Automatic Revolver. 
Six shots; 6-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., SJ oz.; .455 cal. 




Fig. 8. — Colt Automatic Pistol. 
Seven shots; 6-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 5 oz.; .38 caL 




Fig. 9. — The Parabellum or '*Luger" Automatic Pistol. 
Eight shots; 4f-inch barrel; weight, I lb., 13.4 oz.; .30 cal. 



24 The Pistol and Revolver 

Many persons believe that the magazine pistol 
will soon supersede the revolver for general use. 
While this may be the case eventually, it is not 
likely to occur within the next few years. The 
magazine pistol is more complicated, and conse- 
quently more difficult to learn to shoot with and 
care for, than the revolver. On account of the 
special problems to be solved in the mechanism, 
many of them balance poorly and the trigger pull 
is almost invariably long and creeping. The 
novice will also find it difficult to avoid flinching 
in shooting these arms, on account of the recoil 
mechanism, louder report, etc. The line of sight 
being considerably higher than the grip, if they 
are not held perfectly plumb, or in the same posi- 
tion at each shot, the shooting is liable to be irregu- 
lar. The cost is about double that of a good 
revolver. Until these undesirable features and 
disadvantages can be remedied or eliminated, the 
revolver will probably remain a popular arm. 

Target Arms. — For target purposes the great- 
est possible accuracy is desirable. To obtain this, 
many features essential in a military arm are sac- 
rificed. Delicate adjustable sights are employed, 
the trigger pull is reduced, the length of the bar- 
rel is increased, the charge reduced, etc. 




Fig. io. — Mauser Automatic Pistol. 
Ten shots; 51-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 7I oz.; .30 cal. 




Fig. II. — Smith & Wesson Pistol, 
lo-inch barrel; weight, I lb., 8J oz.; .22 cal. 




Fig. 12. — Stevens Pistol, Gould Model. 
lo-inch barrel; weight, i lb., 12 oz.; .22 cal. 



26 The Pistol and Revolver 

The most accurate arms available at the present 
time are the single-shot pistols manufactured by 
Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass.; The J. 
Stevens Arms & Tool Co., Chicopee Falls, Mass.; 
The Remington Arms Co., Ilion, N.Y. ; and 
William Wurfflein, Philadelphia, Pa. These pis- 
tols are furnished in calibers from .22 rim-fire to 
.38 central-fire. The barrels are generally 10 in. 
in length and the trigger pull 2 lb. In the 
latest approved form these pistols are of .22 cal., 
specially bored and chambered for the rim-fire, 
long rifle cartridge. This is a light, clean, pleas- 
ant shooting charge, and may be fired many times 
with very little fatigue. Pistol shooting with 
arms of this caliber should, therefore, become a 
popular pastime for ladies as well as gentlemen. 

The Smith & Wesson pistol has a tip-up action 
and an automatic extractor. It is made of the 
best materials and with the greatest care. The 
fitting and workmanship are superior to that of 
any other machine-made pistol. The action is 
similar to that of the Russian Model revolver. 

The Stevens pistols are furnished in two other 
models for target-shooting. The '' Lord " Model 
has a large frame and handle and a heavy bar- 
rel. Its weight is 2| lb. The " Conlin " Model 



r^a. 




Fig. 13. — Wurfflein Pistol, 
io-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 2 oz.; .22 cal. 




Fig. 14. — Remington Pistol. 
lO-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 8 oz. ; .44 cal. 




Fig. 15. — Gastinne-Renette Pistol. 
IOj\-inch barrel; weight, 2 lb., 6 oz.; .44 cal. 



28 The Pistol and Revolver 

is the same as the " Gould " Model, but has a 
spur added to the trigger guard. The Gould 
Model is the most popular. All these models 
have a tip-up action and an automatic extractor. 
A small knob on the left side is pressed to release 
the barrel and operate the action. 

The Wurfflein pistol, like the Stevens, has a 
tip-up action. It is well made and has a handle 
very similar in shape to that of the duelling pistol 
of former days. The action is operated by releas- 
ing the catch on the handle, back of the hammer. 

The Remington pistol has an exceedingly 
strong action, and is the only pistol that can be 
had chambered for the .44 Russian cartridge. It 
has a large handle and a heavy barrel. The ac- 
tion is operated when the hammer is at full-cock 
by throwing back the breech-block with the 
thumb, simultaneously ejecting the empty shell. 

With good ammunition all these pistols are 
capable of placing ten shots within a 2-in. circle 
at 50 yd. 

A very accurate pistol for gallery and short- 
range shooting is made by M. Gastinne-Renette 
of Paris and used in his gallery in that city. 
These are muzzle-loading and very tedious and 
inconvenient to manipulate. For this reason 



Arms 29 

they have not become popular. A few of these 
arms have been made up as breech-loaders, with 
a tip-up action similar to the Stevens, and cham- 
bered for the 44 Russian cartridge. In this form 
the pistol has given very good results. 

The revolver is not quite as accurate as the 
pistol, on account of the necessity of having the 
cylinder detached from the barrel. If the pin on 
which the cylinder revolves is not at right angles 
with the end of the cylinder, there will be more 
space between the cylinder and the breech end of 
the barrel in some positions of the cylinder than 
in others. The result will be varying amounts 
of gas escaping from the different chambers of 
the cylinder, and consequently irregular shooting. 
The accuracy of the revolver depends largely 
upon the degree of perfection in w^hich all the 
chambers of the cylinder align with the bore of 
the barrel at the instant of discharge. When the 
chambers do not align perfectly, the bullet enters 
the barrel eccentrically and a portion of it is 
shaved off. This is fatal to accuracy, especially 
when smokeless powder is used. Imperfect align- 
ment of chamber and barrel is also the most fre- 
quent cause of the "leading" of the barrel. Some 
very ingenious mechanical expedients are used in 



30 The Pistol and Revolver 

the best revolvers to reduce to a minimum the 
wear of those parts which operate and hold the 
cylinder in position. 

The revolvers generally used for target shoot- 
ing are the military arms already described, cham- 
bered for special cartridges, fitted with target 
sights, special handles, and other modifications to 
suit the whims and tastes of individuals. The 
best and most experienced shots are, however, 
careful to keep the modifications of all their arms 
within the rules and regulations of the various 
national organizations,^ in order that they may be 
used in the annual competitions and other impor- 
tant events. These organizations control pistol 
and revolver shooting, and conduct annual com- 
petitions. " Freak " arms which do not comply 
with the rules are not allowed in the competi- 
tions, are seldom practical, and have little or no 
value other than for experimental purposes. Tar- 
get arms are generally used for trick and exhibi- 
tion shooting.^ 

1 The United States Revolver Association, The National Rifle Associa- 
tion of Great Britain, and the United Shooting Societies of France. For 
programmes and details, address the secretaries of the respective organiza- 
tions. 

2 For descriptions and illustrations of this style of shooting, see '* The 
Art of Revolver Shooting," G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York and London. 
This elaborate work contains also much detailed information, valuable sug- 

T 



yirms 3 ^ 

Pocket Arms. — The most extensive use of the 
revolver as a pocket weapon is for police service. 
Special arms are manufactured to meet the require- 
ments. These weapons are generally similar to 
the military revolvers, but adapted for lighter 
charges, and consequently weigh less. All pro- 
jections, such as sights, hammer, etc., must be 
eliminated or minimized so as not to catch in 
drawing the arm from the pocket or holster. The 
barrels are from 3 to 5 in. in length, the trigger 
pull 4 lb., and the caliber usually .32 or .38. 
Of these two calibers, .38 is much preferable for 
the general purposes of an arm of this character.' 
The difference in weight is slight, while the power 
and effectiveness of the larger caliber is almost 
double that of the smaller. 

The pocket arms shown in Figs. 16 and 17 are 
practically miniatures of the military arms shown 
in Figs. I and 2. They have solid frames and 
actions identical with those of the military arms. 
They are made only in .32 cal., and are double 
action. 

One of the most recent pocket revolvers is the 
Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless. This arm 

gestions, and many interesting personal experiences in relation to revolver 
shooting. 



3- The Pistol and Revolver 

has a safety clutch in the back of the handle, so 
designed that unless the piece is properly held it 
is impossible to operate it. It has many valuable 
and desirable features to commend it as a practical 
pocket weapon. The standard length of barrel is 
4 in. This arm is also furnished in .32 cal. 

With 4-in. barrels, the foregoing pocket weapons 
are capable of shooting regularly within a 2-in. 
circle at 12 yd. 

A heavier and correspondingly more powerful 
pocket revolver is the Colt " Double Action " 
revolver. This arm is chambered for the Colt 
.41 cal. short and long cartridges. It has a solid 
frame, and is operated exactly like the Colt Fron- 
tier Model (Fig. 5). It is compact, strong, dura- 
ble, and accurate. 

The "Single Action Army" is another Colt 
revolver that has been extensively used as a belt 
or holster weapon. The mechanism and action 
are similar to that of the preceding arm, except 
that it is heavier and larger, and is single action. 

A very handy little arm to carry in the pocket 
on hunting and fishing trips is the Stevens Dia- 
mond Model single-shot pistol. This pistol is 
very accurate, and can be depended on to kill 
grouse, ducks, rabbits, and other small game. The 




Fig. 1 6. — Colt New Police Fig. 17. — Smith cS: Wesson Pocket 

Revolver. Revolver. 

Six shots; 4-inch barrel; weight, Six shots; 4i-inch barrel; weight, 

18 oz.; .32 cal. 18^ oz.; .32 cal. 




Fig. 18. — Smith & Wesson Safetv 
Hanimerless Revolver. 

Five shots ; 4-inch barrel : weight, - 
I lb. J li oz. ; .38 cal. 



Fig. i8a. — Smith & Wesson Pocket 
Revolver. 

Seven shots ; 3^-inch barrel ; weight, 
10 oz. ; .22 cal. 




Fig, ip, — Stevens Diamond Model Pistol. 
6-inch barrel; weight, 8| oz.; .22 cal. 



34 The Pistol and Revolver 

.2 2-cal., short, hollow-pointed bullet should be 
used, or the regular .22 short cartridge, with the 
front of the bullet cut off square, so as to leave a 
flat point. This will increase the killing effect of 
the bullet considerably. 

Ammunition 

The degree of perfection that has been attained 
in the manufacture of ammunition is remarkable. 
Generally speaking, the smaller the charge the 
more difficult it is to make it accurate. Notwith- 
standing this, we have in the .22-cal. ammunition 
a tiny cartridge the accuracy of which falls litde 
short of the marvellous. Until very recently, black 
powder ammunition was used almost exclusively 
for pistol and revolver shooting. In calibers 
larger than .22, smokeless powders are nowexten- 
sively used, especially in military shooting, where 
the regulation full charge is required. In the .22- 
cal. pistols, the fouling of the black powders is not 
a very serious matter, and it is not uncommon to 
shoot fifty or a hundred rounds without the neces- 
sity of cleaning. In the larger calibers, however, 
the fouling is frequently so excessive that it affects 
the accuracy after the tenth shot. The incessant 
cleaning that is necessary in order to get good 



Ammunition 35 

results with black powder ammunition was a 
great drawback, and detracted much from the 
pleasure of revolver shooting. Fortunately this 
objection is now entirely eliminated by the use of 
smokeless powders. 

To give good results, the proportions of any 
given charge must be adapted to the caliber, 
length of barrel, and weight of the arm in which 
it is to be used. These proportions are generally 
determined by experiment. The accuracy of the 
cartridge depends largely upon the uniformity 
exercised in the loading. In ammunition for mili- 
tary service the shells are crimped on the bul- 
lets to hold them in place. This is not desirable 
in black powder target ammunition, but is nec- 
essary in all smokeless ammunition to confine 
the powder and produce uniform results. 

In the following detailed description of the 
cartridges in general use the weight of the black 
powder charges only are given. 

Rim-fire Cartridges. — These contain fulmi- 
nate of mercury for priming around the outer 
edge of the rim, or base of the shell, and are gen- 
erally loaded with black powder. 

The ".22-cal. long rifle '^ cartridge is more 
extensively used for pistol shooting than any 



36 The Pistol and Revolver 

other. It is the most accurate of the .22-caL car- 
tridges, being well proportioned, the bullet well 
lubricated, and the shell uncrimped. 

In addition to this, the ammunition is inexpen- 
sive and has very clean shooting qualities. It 
is, therefore, particularly well adapted for pistol 






Fig. 20. — Powder, 5 gr.; bullet, FiG. 21. — Powder, 3 gr.; bullet, 

40 gr.; exact cal., 0.223. 3^ S'^*? exact cal., 0.223. 



shooting. This cartridge, fired from a lo-in. bar- 
rel, will shoot regularly inside of a 2-in. circle, at 
50 yd., and inside a 5-in. circle, at 100 yd. 

Another excellent cartridge in this caliber is 
the ".22 short." Like the preceding, this car- 
tridge fouls very little and gives almost equal ac- 
curacy up to 50 yd. On account of its lighter 
report it is preferred by many for gallery shooting. 
In both of these cartridges only the surface of the 
bullet outside of the shell is lubricated. Exposed 
in this way, the lubricant is easily rubbed off, or 
melted if allowed to stand in the sunlight on a 
warm day. Great care should be taken to prevent 
this, as, without lubrication, the bullets will lead 
the barrel and cause inaccurate shooting. 




Ammunition 2>7 

The 2 2-caL Winchester is a cartridge with in- 
side lubrication. It is more powerful than the .22 
long rifle, and gives good 
results in the pistol. The 
bullet has a flat point, making fig. 22.— Powder, ygr.; 
it suitable for game shoot- ''''''''' ^^ ^'- ''''' '^''^ 

o 0223. 

ing, and the krbrication being 

within the shell, these cartridges may be carried 

loose in the pocket. 

All the .22-cal. cartridges can be had with hol- 
low-pointed bullets, which are to be preferred for 
game-shooting. They are also furnished loaded 
with smokeless powder. When this powder was 
first used in .22-cal. ammunition, the results were 
far from satisfactory, but as now manufactured the 
smokeless ammunition approximates very closely 
in uniformity and accuracy to that loaded with 
black powder. The .22-cal. Long Rifle ''Ar- 
mory" and the .22-cal. Smith & Wesson Long 
are special makes of the long rifle cartridge that 
are furnished with a crimped shell, preventing 
the bullet from becoming dislodged and thus 
adapting this popular cartridge for use in 
revolvers of this calibre. 

The .25-cal. Stevens is a much more powerful 
cartridge than any of the preceding, and gives 




38 The Pistol and Revolver 

excellent results in the pistol. It is selected by 
those who wish a more powerful rim-fire cartridge 
than is furnished in .22 cal. 

Rim-fire cartridges in larger caliber than .25 
are used for derringers (large-bore, single-shot 

pocket-pistols now seldom 

used) and inferior grades 

, , of revolvers. These car- 

I^iG. 23. — Powder, II gr.; bul- 
let, 67 gr.; exact cal, 0.257. tridges sometimes lack 

uniformity in caliber when 
made by different manufacturers, are frequently 
defective, and discharge occasionally in closing 
the action of the arm in which they are loaded. 
They consequently lack the safety, reliability, and 
accuracy of the corresponding calibers in central- 
fire ammunition. Rim-fire cartridges cannot be 
reloaded. 

Central-fire Cartridges. — This type of cartridge 
has a brass or copper primer charged with a small 
quantity of fulminate of mercury, and containing 
a skeleton anvil of brass. The primer fits water- 
tight in a socket in the centre of the base of the 
shell. After being discharged, the primer can 
be renewed and the shell reloaded. In all the 
central-fire cartridges the lubrication of the bullet 
is inside of the shell, rendering this ammuni- 



Ammunition 39 

tion much more serviceable and less liable to be 
damaged. 

The .32-cal. S. & W. cartridge is adapted to the 
Smith & Wesson, Colt, or other pocket revolvers. 





Fig. 24. — Powder, 10 gr. ; bullet, Fig. 25. — Powder, 13 gr.; bullet, 
%% gr. ; exact cal., 0.313. 100 gr.; exact cal., 0.313. 

Occasionally single-shot pistols are chambered for 
this cartridge. It is fairly accurate at ranges up 
to 50 yd. A gallery charge is furnished in this 
shell consisting of 4 gr. of powder and a spherical 
or " round " bullet weighing 47 gr. 

The .32-cal. S. & W. Long is more accurate 
and powerful than the preceding cartridge. It 
gives excellent results in both the pistol and re- 
volver. The gallery charge is the same as that 
of the .32 S. & W. 

The .32-cal. Colt New Police is also an accu- 
rate cartridge, and was designed specially for the 
Colt New Police revolver. A gallery charge is 
furnished in this shell con- 
sisting of a powder charge 
reduced to 7 er. and the 

Fig. 26. — Powder, 13 gr.; bul- 
regular bullet. let, 100 gr.; exact cal., 0.313 




40 



The Pistol and Revolver 







The .32-44 S. & W. is a special target cartridge 
designed for the S. & W. Russian Model revolver. 
The bullet is seated inside of the shell, which is 
straight and uncrimped. The revolver may be 

chambered to take shells of 
either of the two lengths 
shown. The 17-gr. shell is 
FiG.27.-Powder,iigr.;bui. ^j^^j.^}! preferred, as the 

let, 83 gr.; exact cal., 0.323. ^ -^ ^ 

11-83 charge may also be 
loaded in it if desired. A 
gallery charge, consisting of 
Powder, 17 gr.; bullet, 98 gr. 4 gr. of powdcr aiid a rouud 

bullet weighing 50 gr., may 
also be used in both shells. 
This affords a wide range 
of charges in one shell. A 
special feature of this car- 
tridge is that the same sights used for the 
gallery charge at 12 yd. are suitable for the 
11-83 charge at 50 yd. The full charge (17-98) 
in the long shell is the most accurate of all the 
black powder revolver cartridges. This ammu- 
nition, shot from a 6^-in. barrel, is capable of 
making ten-shot groups in a 2-in. circle at 50 yd., 
and a 5-in. circle at 100 yd. The 11-83 charge, 
under the same conditions, will also shoot in a 2-iri, 




50 gr. 



Ammunition 



41 




circle at 50 yd. The 4-50 charge will shoot in a 
I -in. circle at 20 yd. This cartridge also gives 
good results in single-shot pistols. 

The .38 S. & W. is adapted to the Smith & 
Wesson, Colt, and other pocket revolvers. It is 
much more powerful than the 
.32 S. & W., and is conse- 
quently more practical and ^ 

- . Fig. 28. — Powder, 15 gr.; 

better adapted for a pocket buUet, 146 gr.; exact cai., 
revolver charge. When shot ^-358. 
from a 4-in. barrel, groups of ten shots can be 
made in a 2-in. circle at 20 yd., and in a 6-in. 
circle at 50 yd. The gallery charge is 6 gr. of 
powder and a round bullet weighing 71 gr. 

These two cartridges are adapted to the Colt 
and S. & W. Military revolvers. The first is the 







Fig. 29. 
Powder, i8 gr. ; bullet, 150 gr. Powder. 1\\ gr.; bullet, 158 gr.; 

exact cai., 0.358. 

regulation service charge, and the second is a 
more powerful special cartridge, and exceedingly 
accurate. From a 6-in. barrel six shots may be 
placed within a 6-in. circle at lOO yd. Smokeless 



42 



The Pistol and Revolver 



ammunition in this caliber gives equally good 
and uniform results; fifty to one hundred shots 
may be fired without cleaning and without sensi- 
bly affecting the accuracy. 

The .38-44 S. & W. is another cartridge de- 
signed for the S. & W. Russian Model revolver. 




F IG. 30. — Powder, 20 gr. ; bullet, 
146 gr.; exact cal., 0.360. 



146 gr. iiogr. 100 gr. 



72 gr. 



It is more powerful than the .32-44, but on 
account of the excessive fouling of this charge as 
now manufactured, the accuracy is impaired after 
the seventh shot. With an improved cleaner- 
shooting charge it would be accurate and ex- 
tremely popular for target-shooting. This car- 
tridge was originally designed and made for 
Chevalier Ira Paine, the noted pistol shot. Like 
the .32-44, the shell is straight and uncrimped, 
and the bullet is seated in it so that the point is 
flush with its mouth. Several reduced charges 
have been developed for this shell. The Ideal 
Manufacturing Company can furnish moulds for 
a conical bullet with a square base weighing no 




Ammunition 43 

gr., or with a concave base weighing 100 gr. The 
powder charge for either bullet is 9 gr. This 
charge works well up to 50 yd. A smaller load 
is the regulation gallery charge of 6 gr. of powder 
and a round bullet weighing 72 gr. 

The .44-caL Russian^ was until recently the 
most popular revolver cartridge for target-shoot- 
ing. While it has sufficient power to make it an 
effective charge for mili- 
tary service, it possesses, 
at the same time, remark- 
able accuracy. In the 

C i? AXr -D • l\/r J 1 Fig. 31. — Powder, 23 gr.; bullet, 

S. & W. Russian Model, 246 gr.; exact cal., 0.429. 

or the Colt New Service 

revolver, the recoil is not so great as to be unpleas- 
ant, and the fouling is much less than that of many 
smaller charges. The fouling of the full charge 
load with black powder begins to " cake '' or 
harden in the barrel after the twentieth shot, and, 
to get the best results, the barrel should be 
cleaned after every ten shots. Nearly all the great 
records in revolver shooting have been made 
with this ammunition, and most of the important 
matches have been won with it. A great deal of 

^ So named after its adoption as the service ammunition of the Russian 
cavalry. 



44 



The Pistol and Revolver 



experimental work has been done with this car- 
tridge, and many reduced charges have been 
evolved. The Ideal Manufacturing Company can 
furnish moulds for the following bullets : — 




23 gr. 








60 gr. 


121 gr. 205 gr. 


175 gr 


12 gr. 


7 gr- 15 gr- 
Fig. 32. 


10 gr. 






Fig. 33. — Powder, 40 gr. ; bullet, 
250 gr.; exact cal., 0.454. 




Fig. 34. 



The weight of each, with the corresponding 
powder charge, is given. These various loads 
adapt this shell to almost any conceivable require- 



Ammunition 



45 



ments in revolver shooting. The accuracy of the 
various charges fired from a 6|-in. barrel is as 
follows : — 



Charge 


Diameter of Circle Enclosing Group of 10 Shots 


20 yds. 


30 yds. 50 yds. 


100 yds. 


200 yds. 


23-246 

7-1 10 

7-130 

12-160 

12-175 

7-120 

15-205 

10-175 


I in. 
I in. 
i\ in. 

i\ in. 
i\ in. 


U in. 
2 in. 
2\ in. 
2 in. 
2\ in. 
2^ in. 
2 in. 


2\ in. 
3 in. 
3 in. 


6 in. 

7 in. 


15 in. 



Revolvers are sometimes chambered for the 
.44-40-200, the .38-40-180, and the .32-20-115 
rifle cartridges. These charges are not as accu- 
rate as the .44 Russian, but can be relied on to 
shoot inside a 5-in. circle at 50 yd. These car- 
tridges are desirable only when it is an advantage 
to use the same ammunition in the rifle and 
r^olver, or in certain localities where only a few 
varieties of ammunition are to be had. The large 
powder charge makes the recoil of the first two 
cartridges named rather unpleasant. The 32-20 



46 The Pistol and Revolver 

-115 is the most accurate of these cartridges, and 
gives the best results in the pistol or revolver. 
All these cartridges having flat-pointed bullets 
are well adapted for game shooting. There are 
no gallery loads for these cartridges. 

The .45 Colt Army is the most powerful of all 
the revolver cartridges. It w^as formerly the 
United States army service ammunition. The 
charge w^as so heavy, and the recoil so excessive, 
that it w^as almost impossible to shoot it without 
flinching. The service charge was afterward 
modified to 28 gr. of powder, which made it much 
more desirable and serviceable. With the latter 
charge this cartridge is very similar to the .45-30 
-250 Scofield Model S. & W. cartridge. Both 
of these are sufficiently powerful, accurate, and 
clean-shooting to render them suitable for military 
service. The gallery load for the .45 Colt is 7 gr. 
of powder and a round bullet weighing 1 39 gr. 

The caliber of the service ammunition for the 
revolver of the British army is .455. This is a 
very accurate cartridge, but not as powerful as the 
corresponding military cartridges as used in this 
country. A special cylindrical bullet wdth a deep 
convex hollow point is furnished in the same shell 
and is known as the " man stopper." 



Ammunition 



47 



This form of bullet is used in the 450 and .38 
cal. cartridges also. The 450-13-225 is another 
English cartridge that is accurate, and pleasant to 
shoot. It is used largely at Bisley in the annual 
revolver competitions of the National Rifle As- 
sociation of Great Britain. 

In order to avoid excessive fouling, a self- 
lubricating bullet has been invented and intro- 
duced by Smith & Wesson, which can be furnished 




B. Plunger 

C. Ducts. 



D. Metal Lining. 



Fig. 35. — Self-lubricating 
cartridge. 




Section showing details of 
construction. 



in all calibers above .32. The bullet has a hollow 
core open in the rear. Lubricant is filled into 
the core, after which it is closed with a lead 
plunger. Four small ducts communicate from the 
forward end of the core to the exterior of the 
bullet just ahead of its bearing on the barrel. At 
the moment of discharge the plunger is driven 
forward, forcing the lubricant through the ducts 
into the barrel ahead of the bullet. 

This bullet has given excellent results. With 
it a hundred or more shots may be fired with 



48 The Pistol and Revolver 

black powder ammunition without causing suf- 
ficient fouling to impair the accuracy. 

Nearly all the cartridges that have been re- 
ferred to were originally designed for black 
powder. The various manufacturers can now 
supply them loaded with smokeless powder at a 
very slight advance in price. The cartridges 
are loaded so as to give approximately the same 
velocity as black powder. 

The accuracy and uniformity with smokeless 
powder was not at first equal to that of the 
black, but with a better knowledge of the action 
and behavior of smokeless powders, these diffi- 
culties have been overcome and the smokeless 
ammunition now gives not only superior accuracy 
and reliability, but also causes much less fouling 
and smoke and has a lighter report. In ''gal- 
lery" ammunition light conical bullets hav^e 
entirely superseded spherical bullets, and smoke- 
less powder is almost invariably used. 

The following table gives the muzzle velo- 
cities, etc., of the principal factory-loaded, 
smokeless pistol and revolver cartridges. The 
factories aim to keep the muzzle velocities 
uniform for each cartridge. To produce this 
result with the various brands of smokeless 



Ammunition 



49 



powder, all of which differ more or less in 
strength, the weight of the powder charge 
necessarily varies. Even when purchased in 
large quantities, different blends and packages 
of the same brand of powder occasionally vary 

MUZZLE VELOCITIES, PENETRATION, ETC., OF 

FACTORY-LOADED SMOKELESS PISTOL AND 

REVOLVER CARTRIDGES 



Case or Shell. 



.22 Long Rifle (Rim Fire). . . 

.30 Lug-er Automatic 

.30 Mauser " 

.32 Colt " 

.32 Smith & W^esson 

.32 '* " " Long... 

.32 Short Colt 

.32 Long " 

.32 Colt New Police 

.38 Smith & Wesson 

.38 " " ♦* Special. 

.38 Colt New Police 

.38 Short Colt 

.38 Long " 

.38 Colt Automatic 

.41 Short Colt 

.41 Long " 

.44 Smith & Wesson Russian 

.45 Celt... 

.45 Colt Automatic 



■53 JJ 


CC5 


s . 


OJ 

bcv>, 
^ 3 *i 


40 


28 


983 


86 


93 


4* 


1134 


266 


85 


Si 


1308 


322 


71 


4 


lOIO 


161 


88 


10 


902 


159 


98 


6 


794 


^37 


80 


6 


768 


105 


81 


6 


847 


129 


100 


4 


790 


139 


146 


4 


798 


217 


158 


6^ 


885 


275 


150 


4 


722 


170 


125 


6 


651 


117 


148 


6 


786 


203 


130 


6 


1070 


336 


163 


6 


693 


174 


195 


6 


729 


230 


246 


TO 


831 


377 


250 


71 


776 


334 . 


200 


5 


816 


296 ; 

1 



5 
10 

12 
6 
4 
4 
3 
4 
3f 



50 



The Pistol and Revolver 



somewhat in strength. For the^e reasons it is 
impracticable to designate the exact weight or 
volume of any brand of powder which will in all 
cases produce the muzzle velocities referred to 
in the table. 

The following additional smokeless charges 
have been developed by some of the expert 
revolver shots and will give excellent results. 
Loads No. 6 and lo are recommended for gal- 
lery and 20-yd. shooting only ; the rest will give 
good results at 50 yd. No. i and 5 are hunt- 
ing charges : 

ADDITIONAL SMOKELESS POWDER CHARGES 



3 


Case or shell. 


1 
1 


OS 

I 


2 

il 

6 



■zS 

a- 


Brand of Smokeless Powder. 


1. 
H 


I 


.32S. &W. HandEj. 


.313 


tt8 


3118 


I to 30 
I to 30 


Hazard No. 2 Rifle 


6.0 


2 


.38 - - . 


.360 


130 


360271 


du Pont & Co.'s Bull's-eye.. 


2.3 


3 


.38S.&W. Special . 


.360 


114 


36072 


I to 30 


u u n 


2.4 


4 


.38 - - . 


.360 


130 


360271 


I to 30 


il C( u 


2.3 


5 


.38 '' '' . 


.360 


150 


360271 


I to 20 


11 a u 


3.8 


6 


.44 S. & W. Russian . 


•431 


no 


U,M,C, 


I to 30 


H H il 


2.3 


7 


•44 " " • 


•431 


160 


42Q106 


I to 30 


11 U it 


2.5 


8 


•44 


.43^ 


175 


429220 


I to 30 


n n u 


2.5 


9 


•44 


.431 


205 


429215 


I to 30 


" 11 n 


3-0 


TO 


.45 Colt 


•457 


144 


457130 


I to 30 


" " Shot-g"un.. 


R 









In all the above charges the shells have a medium crimp on the middle of the 
front band of the bullet. 

With the introduction of the magazine pistol, 



Ammunition 



51 



special smokeless cartridges have been devised 
that are rimless and have a crease around the 
base of the shell by which they may be held and 
manipulated by the mech- 
anism. This ammunition 
is furnished loaded with 
full mantled and "soft 
nose " bullets, the latter 
for hunting purposes. 

When fired from the 
regulation arms, this am- 
munition is capable of 
placing ten shots inside a 
3-inch circle at 50 yd., and 



4y|//AUT0M^^^ 



Powder, 8 gr. (smokeless) ; bul- 
let, 105 gr.; exact cal, 0.358. 




Powder, 5igr. (smokeless); bul- 
let, 93 gr.; exact cal., .3016. 






inside a 7-inch circle at 100 P^^er.yigr. (smokeless) ; bul- 
' let, 85 gr.; exact cal., .30x38. 

yd. These cartridges are fig. ^e. 

exceedingly clean-shooting. Several hundred 
rounds may be fired without causing more foul- 
ing than is apparent after the first few shots. 
The full mantled or metal cased bullet ammuni- 
tion has been adopted for military and naval 
service by a number of foreign countries. Elab- 
orate tests of ammunition loaded with such 
bullets have also been made in this country. 
The metal cased bullet has undoubted advan- 
tages in rifle ammunition, in which low tra- 



52 The Pistol and Revolver 

jectory and extreme long range are desiderata 
that can be obtained only by high velocities. 
In ammunition for magazine pistols and re- 
volvers, however, the prime object is to deliver 
the most effective blow possible at comparatively 
short range. 

The velocities attainable in large calibres 
within the permissible weight of an automatic 
pistol are comparatively low. The deformation 
of any bullet on striking animal tissue is in 
direct proportion to its velocity. It is, there- 
fore, extremely doubtful that a metal cased 
bullet will ever prove as effective and satis- 
factory in '* stopping power'' and for military 
service, either in the automatic pistol or the 
revolver, as the large calibre lead bullet 

The metal cased bullet ammunition for the 
automatic pistols now on trial in the U. S. Army 
is of .38-cal. and .45 cal. The .38-cal. arms and 
ammunition were issued in 1903, and the .45-cal. 
in 1907. In the latter the metal cased bullet 
weighs 250 grains. As neither of these charges 
have the muzzle energy or stopping power of 
the .44-cal. Smith & Wesson Russian, or the 
.45-cal. Colt, it is not probable that either will 
be adopted. 



Sights 



53 



Sights 
The purpose of sights is to assist in aiming. 
The national organizations allow only "open" 
sights in pistol and revolver shooting. " Peep " 
or " aperture " sights are barred. The rear sight 
usually consists of a notch shaped like a V or a 
U, the notch being as wide on top as at any part. 




k 




k 



Side view. End view. Side view. End view. 

Front Sights. 



Rear sight. 



Appearance when aiming. 
Military Sights. 

Fig. 37. 



The front sight is a piece of thin metal set on 
edge. Sometimes the latter has a special shape 
or section resembling a pinhead when looking 
at it from the breech, as in aiming. Military 
sights usually consist of a plain notch in the top 
of the frame for the rear sight and a tapering 
front sight fixed to the barrel near the muzzle. 



54 The Pistol and Revolver 

Target sights are made in endless variety to 
suit individual ideas. The sights most generally 
used for target-shooting are the " Paine " sights, 
named after Chevalier Ira Paine, who invented 




1 



Rear sight. Side view. End view. Appearance 

Front sight. when aiming. 

" Paine " Sights. 
Fig. 38. 

and was the first to use them. The rear sight 
is a flat bar with a semicircular notch, and the 
front sight is a " bead " sight ; that is, a sight that 
resembles a pinhead when aiming. 

Another sight that many of the best shots are 
using is the '' Patridge " sight, developed by Mr. 




Side view. End view. Appearance 

Rear sight. Front sight. when aiming. 

Patridge Sights. 
Fig. 39. 

E. E. Patridge of Boston, Mass. The rear sight 
has a wide rectangular notch ; the front sight is 
plain with a square top, as shown. 



Position 55 

These sights have been referred to in the order 
in which they are most used. It is generally 
necessary for individuals to try various sights 
before they are able to select intelligently. In 
target arms different-shaped sights may be used 
in the same base or fitting, so that it is a com- 
paratively easy matter to try any or all of these 
sights on the same arm. 

The notch of the rear sight should have a 
bevelled edge concave toward the front. This 
will secure sharpness of outline in any light. 
The front sight should also be distinct and is 
found to be most satisfactory when the side 
toward the eye is a surface at right angles to the 
line of sight. 

Position 

The position in pistol and revolver shooting is 
very important. In firing a long series of shots, 
a man with an easy, natural position will suffer 
much less fatigue, and will have a decided advan- 
tage over another whose position is straining and 
uncomfortable. Formerly the approved position 
was to stand with the right side toward the target. 
This required the head to be turned ninety de- 
grees from its natural position, and was very 



56 The Pistol and Revolver 

uncomfortable. Undoubtedly this position is a 
relic of duelling days, when it might have been 
argued that a smaller mark was offered to the 
antagonist. 

The positions adopted by the leading shots vary 
considerably. Most of them face a trifle to the 
left of the target, with the right foot 6 or 8 
inches ahead of the left, and pointing directly 
toward the target, the weight of the body sup- 
ported equally by both legs and perfectly balanced. 
Others shoot with the feet close together; some 
with one or both eyes open, and with the arm 
partly or fully extended. The question of posi- 
tion depends largely upon the physique and com- 
fort of the individual. 

Mr. Winans' position is an exceedingly strong 
one. His poise is very good, and he stands 
firmly on both feet.. The left arm falls straight 
down along the left side of the body. This 
affords rigidity when desired, and imparts action 
to the figure. 

Mr. Axtell has a stanch, natural position. 
Like Mr. Winans, he shoots with the right arm 
fully extended, and he holds the weapon in the 
correct and most approved manner. 

The position of Mr. Anderton is excellent. He 






d 



W 







G 
O 

s 

U 



CO 






<1 



o 
H 







Cm 



d 



I 



I 

d 






6 



o 
O 



o 



Target Shooting 6i 

enjoys perfect health, and has his large muscular 
development well under control. His position is 
strong, natural, and comfortable. Another good 
position is that of Mr. Richmond. He is not as 
well poised as Mr. Anderton, but his position is 
graceful and businesslike. 

The positions of Mr. Patridge and Sergeant 
Petty are characteristic and typical of persons of 
entirely different physique. 

Mr. Gorman and Dr. Sayre are men of ver)^ 
similar physique. Their positions, which resemble 
each other closely, are firm, easy, and natural. 

Target-shooting 

In the development of firearms and ammuni- 
tion, target-shooting has always occupied an im- 
portant place. It is regularly and systematically 
practised in the army and navy, in order to main- 
tain and improve the proficiency of the men as 
marksmen. Target-shooting, with many different 
styles of firearms, under prescribed rules and 
regulations, has also become extremely popular 
with civilians. 

A target is a mark or object of suitable form 
and color designed to be fired at. It usually 
consists of a frame covered with canvas or paper, 



62 The Pistol and Revolver 

presenting a white surface with a prominent spot 
or bulFs-eye in the centre. Concentric circles 
around the centre divide the target into zones 
which are assigned values, decreasing from the 
centre outward. On a regularly equipped range 
the targets are movable frames, so arranged that 
they may be raised to the firing position and then 
lowered into a pit, where the marker can safely 
examine the target, mark the shot accurately, and 
cover the shot-hole with a paster. The sum of 
the values of a limited series of consecutive shots, 
as 5, 7, lo, 20, 50, etc., constitutes a score. 

Target-shooting was indulged in extensively 
with the rifle many years before it became popular 
wath the pistol and revolver. The shorter barrel, 
and the greater difficulty in acquiring skill with 
the latter weapons, were doubtless responsible for 
the mistaken idea long prevalent that these arms 
were extremely inaccurate. When, however, a 
few individuals developed sufficient skill to obtain 
fine shooting, their performances were considered 
phenomenal. Among the first to obtain a high 
order of skill with the muzzle-loading pistol in 
the United States was Captain John Travers of 
Missouri. He was well known as an expert 
pistol shot as early as i860. In that year Cap- 



Target Shooting 63 

tain Travers shot an interesting individual match 
in St. Louis at a distance of 100 feet. Fifteen 
china plates, nine inches in diameter, were used 
as targets. Captain Travers broke 1 1 out of the 
15, while his opponent broke but 9. 

In 1865 Colonel William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) 
and Captain William P. Schaaf of St. Louis 
became prominent as pistol shots. The latter 
subsequently joined Captain Travers in a three 
years' tour of the United States, giving exhibitions 
in nearly all the large cities. 

About 1880 Ira Anson Paijie, a native of 
Massachusetts, attracted attention by his fine 
marksmanship with the pistol. In 1881 he went 
abroad, and for a number of years he travelled 
over the principal countries of Europe, giving 
public exhibitions of his skill with the pistol and 
revolver. While in Portugal in 1882 he was 
knighted by the king in the presence of a notable 
assemblage, and made a chevalier of an ancient 
military order. In his exhibitions Chevalier Paine 
used a Stevens Lord Model pistol and a Smith & 
Wesson revolver. His skill with these arms was 
so far in advance of his contemporaries that he 
was popularly supposed to accomplish many of 
his feats by trickery. 



64 The Pistol and Revolver 

Target-shooting with the pistol and revolver, 
as a sport, may be said to have originated at the 
annual meeting of the National Rifle Association 
at Creedmoor in 1886. During that meeting a 
revolver match w^as scheduled to be shot at 25 
yd. on the 200-yd. Standard American Rifle 
Target. It was a reentry match, with the three 
best scores of five shots each of any contestant 
to count. In this match three scores of 48 out 
of 50 were made, the highest individual aggregate 
of three scores being 143 out of a possible 150. 

The same year a similar match was announced 
at the fall meeting of the Massachusetts Rifle 
Association at Walnut Hill. Chevalier Paine 
was a competitor in this match, and made 50-49- 
49 = 148 in six entries. The next best three 
scores equalled 142. 

These matches proved so interesting and suc- 
cessful that target-shooting with the pistol and 
revolver became instantly popular all over the 
country. It was soon found that the arms pos- 
sessed remarkable accuracy, and as the skill of 
the shooters improved the distance was increased 
to 50 yd., retaining the same target. 

Mr. A. C. Gould, editor of The Rifle, and 
Shooting a7id Fishing, was the first to recognize 



Target Sbooiing 



65 



the possibilities of the pistol and revolver, and 
became greatly interested in the performances 
with these arms. He assisted and encouraged 
the shooters, witnessed their work, and made 
careful and elaborate records of all the important 
scores that were made in the United States from 
1886 to 1900/ It was at his suggestion that 
Chevalier Paine essaved to fire the first lOO-shot 
score at 50 yd. on the Standard American Target, 
scoring 791 points. This shooting was done with 
a finely sighted .44 cal. Smith & Wesson Russian 
Model Revolver, regulation full charge ammuni- 
tion, and a 2^ lb. trigger pull. A keen rivalry for 
the lOO-shot record soon sprang up, resulting as 
follows : — 



Oct. 15, 1886, Chevalier Ira Paine at Walnut Hill 
March 7, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine "•' *• '^ 
Nov. 4, 1887, F. E. Bennett " '' " 
Nov. 14, 1887, F. E. Bennett " '• 
Dec. 5, 1887, F. E. Bennett " " " 
Dec. 17, 1887, Chevalier Ira Paine " '• 
Dec. 22, 1887. Chevalier Ira Paine '' '' 
Dec. 23, 1887, W. V^. Bennett 



791 
841 
857 
877 
886 
888 
904 
9U 



This rivalry led to a long newspaper contro 
versy, and culminated in the famous Paine- 
Bennett revolver match. The conditions were 



^ See The Modem American Pistol and Revolver, by A. C. Gould. 
Bradlee Whidden, Publisher, Boston, Mass. 



66 The Pistol and Revolver 

as follows: Stakes, $1000.00; 100 shots per day 
for six consecutive days ; Smith & Wesson Rus- 
sian Model Revolvers, 44 cal. ; factory-loaded full 
charge ammunition ; trigger pull, 3 lb. ; Standard 
American Target with 8-in. bull's-eye ; distance, 
50 yd. On the fifth day of the match, and while 
9 points in the lead, Chevalier Paine entered a 
protest and withdrew. Mr. Y. E. Bennett con- 
tinued shooting, as stipulated in the match, scor- 
ing 5093 points for the total of the six days. The 
protest was referred to the National Rifle Asso- 
ciation, which decided in favor of Mr. Bennett, 
awarding him the match and the championship 
of America. 

In practising for this match Mr. F. E. Bennett, 
under the same conditions, made a score of 915. 
This record w^as not excelled until June i, 1901, 
when C. S. Richmond of Savannah, Georgia, 
scored 918 points under substantially the same 
conditions. 

During the summer of 1890 Mr. William E. 
Carlin, assisted by Mr. Hubert Reynolds, made a 
very elaborate series of tests with the revolver 
and various kinds of ammunition. The shooting 
w^as done with a telescopic sight, and from a sand- 
bag rest. The results obtained were remarkable, 



Target Shooting 67 

and added materially to the definite information 
then available as to the capabilities of the revolver, 
the relative accuracy of different charges, etc. 

A very interesting revolver match for a trophy 
offered by Mr. Walter Winans took place in 1892. 
Mr. Winans is a noted American revolver shot, 
residing in England, and the trophy — an Ameri- 
can cowboy executed admirably in bronze — was 
modelled by him,. The match was conducted by 
Forest and Stream. The trophy w^as won, after 
a spirited competition, by Dr. Louis Bell. Under 
the conditions of the match, the winner w^as to 
defend his title two years before the trophy 
became his propert}^ The trophy was won suc- 
cessively by George E. Jantzer and Sergeant W. 
E. Petty. Sergeant Petty defended the trophy 
successfully for two years, and now holds it 
permanently. 

The " best .on record '' performances with the 
single-shot pistol, on the Standard American 
Target, at 50 yd., are as follows: — 

100 shots : 



Sept. 22, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 
Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, '^ '* " 

Sept. 10, 1890, F. E. Bennett, " " " 

Feb. 25, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 
May 26, 1901, J. E. Gorman, '- '• '• 

March i, 1902, E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass. 



906 
934 
936 

939 
942 
942 



68 The Pistol and Revolver 

50 shots : 

Nov. 10, 1888, F. E. Bennett, Walnut Hill, Mass. 
Feb. II, 1900, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 
May 20, 1 90 1, J. E. Gorman, '* '* " 

Dec. 7, 1901, T. Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. . 
April 4, 1903, T. Anderton, ^' '* " 



470 
471 
474 
476 
480 



A record, or "best on record," is the highest 
recognized score of any given number of shots 
fired under certain standard conditions, and with 
an arm complying with certain estabhshed rules. 
The records of pistol and revolver shooting in the 
United States were carefully established and com- 
piled by Shootijig and Fishi7ig until the year 
1900, when the records were intrusted to the 
United States Revolver Association. This asso- 
ciation, with the support and cooperation of all 
the leading shots of the country, formulated rules 
and regulations to govern pistol and revolver 
shooting, and inaugurated the annual champion- 
ship matches. These are shot simultaneously in 
different parts of the United States, thus giving 
everybody an opportunity to enter the compe- 
titions. 

The influence of the association on pistol 
and revolver shooting has been very beneficial. 
It has established uniformity in arms, rules, etc., 
and has encouraged and conducted many friendly 



Target Shooting 69 

matches between clubs, thus bringing the shots in 
different parts of the country in closer touch with 
each other. This association also negotiated and 
conducted the first international revolver match 
between France and the United States, which 
took place in June, 1900. This match attracted 
world-wide attention, and was won by the United 
States. The conditions of the match were as 
follows : Ten men on a side ; the Americans to 
shoot at Greenville, N. J., and the Frenchmen 
in Paris. Results to be cabled. Each side to 
appoint an umpire to witness the shooting of the 
- opposing side. Each man to shoot 30 shots on 
the French target at 16 metres and 30 shots on 
the Standard American target at 50 yd. Possible, 
6000. Total scores : Americans, 4889 ; French, 
4828. 

A second international revolver match between 
France and the United States was arraneed in 
1903. The conditions were briefly as follows: 
Fifteen men on a side. Each man to shoot 60 
shots in 10 strings of 6 shots each on the Stand- 
ard American Target at 50 yd. Each side to 
appoint two umpires to witness the shooting of 
their opponents. Results to be cabled. 

The American marksmen assembled at the 



/o The Pistol and Revolver 

Walnut Hill range of the Massachusetts Rifle 
Association, near Boston, devoting three days 
to preliminary practice shooting and selecting 
the team. It was originally agreed upon that 
the match was to take place on June 30th, and 
the American team shot their scores on that 
day. Owing to delays in transportation, the 
targets intended for the French team did not 
reach them promptly and their side of the match 
was shot several days later. The members con- 
stituting the teams and their respective scores 
are as follows : 

AMERICAN TEAM. 

0. I. Olson, Duluth, Minn 554 

B. F. Vender, New York, N. Y 543 

R. S. Hale, Boston, Mass 540 

J. A. Dietz, Jr., New York, N. Y 534 

W. A. Smith, Spring-field, Mass 532 

C. S. Axtell, Springfield, Mass 530 

Louis Bell, Boston, Mass 527 

T. Anderton, Boston, Mass . 523 

J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass 519 

1. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 519 

E. E. Patridge, Boston, Mass 517 

R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. (Score shot in Paris). 515 

J. T. Humphrey, Boston, Mass 513 

W. S. Amory, 2d, Boston, Mass 512 

C. L. Bouve, Boston, Mass 511 

Team total 7,889 



Target Shooting 71 

FRENCH TEAM. 

Comte de Castelbajac, Libourne 547 

Commandant Py, Saint Omer 542 

M. Dutfoy, Marseilles 541 

Captain Moreaux, Rennes 529 

M. Moline-Paget, Dieppe 526 

Captain Chauchat, Versailles 524 

M. Keller-Dorian, Lyons 522 

M. Feugray, Paris 509 

M. Despassio, Lyons 503 

M. Lecocq, Paris 502 

M. Caurette, Ham 502 

M. Louvier, Paris 496 

M. Balme, Paris 469 

Adjutant Paroche, Rennes 466 

M. Sartori, Paris .... 462 

Team total : 7,640 

Americans led by 249 

A careful analysis of the scores shows that 
the Americans shot much more evenly than the 
Frenchmen, and that the skill of the three high 
men on both teams was approximately equal. 

In order to become familiar with the arms and 
develop skill in shooting, careful and systematic 
practice is necessary. This can be most conven- 
iently and intelligently obtained in target-shooting. 
At a properly equipped range, each shot is " spot- 
ted "^ as fired, so that the shooter can tell instantly 
where each shot strikes. This is a great aid and 

1 The position of a shot accurately indicated by a marker from a pit or 
safe place near the target. 



72 The Pistol and Revolver 

advantage, as it enables the shooter to note the 
effect of changes in hght, wind, sHght displace- 
ments in the sights, etc., and modify his work 
accordingly. The usual distance is 50 yd. Very 
good shooting has been done at 100 yd., and even 
at 200 yd., but such long-range shooting is rarely 
attempted except by the very best shots. The 
whole target being so small at that distance, a 
shot need not be very wild to miss the target. 
Such an occurrence is very unsatisfactory and 
disconcerting to a fairly skilful shot. There is, 
moreover, nothing to be gained by extremely 
long-range work. The pistol and revolver are not 
designed for it, and there is much more pleasure 
and satisfaction in shootins: at the shorter ranoes. 
It is customary and desirable to practise at the 
target under the conditions governing the annual 
championship matches. This accustoms one to 
those conditions, and is a decided advantage if one 
expects to enter the competitions. It is also ex- 
cellent training for record shooting. In target 
practice with military arms, regulation full-charge 
ammunition should be used in all cases, especially 
when practising rapid-fire shooting. With target 
weapons, reduced charges are frequently used, and 
the shooting is generally slow and deliberate, 



Tjrgtt Shooting 'j^ 

The taro-et used bv the United States armv for 
revolver practice is the regulation silhouette man 
target. 

This consists of the figure of a man standing, 
and is used for both mounted and dismounted 
practice. For the mounted practice the target 
consists of a steel skeleton frame, covered with 
cloth and black paper, and is held in position by 
supporting rods and braces. This is designated 
as " Target D." Five of these targets are set up 
at a distance of lo yd. and 20 yd. apart, and the 
troopers ride by them on the walk, trot, and gal- 
lop, firing one shot at each target as they pass. 
This practice is modified by changing the position 
of the targets so the position will be 25, 20, 15, 10, 
and 5 yd. respectively, and shooting to the right, - 
left, and rear. Ten shots per man are also fired 
at ^' Target K '' — the silhouette figure of a mounted 
soldier. 

All revolver target practice consists of two 
classes, ''Preliminary" and "Record," the latter 
being incorporated in the ofiicial reports. Five 
shots constitute a score. The target used for 
the dismounted practice is known as target 
''A I," consisting of a rectangle 6 ft. high and 
4 ft. wide, with a circular black l)i]irs-e\'e and 



74 The Pistol and Revolver 

seven concentric rings, with values and diam 
eters as follows : Bull's-eye or lo ring, 5 in. 
9 ring, 8^ in. ; 8 ring, 12 in. ; 7 ring, i^\ in. 
6 ring, 19 in. ; 5 ring, 22^^ in. ; 4 ring, 26 in. 
3 ring, 46 in. ; 2 rectangle, rest of target. 

The '* Prelirninary '' practice consists of two 
scores slow fire with a time limit of 30 sec. per 
shot at each of the ranges 50 yd. and 75 yd. ; 
two scores timed fire with a time limit of 30 sec. 
per score, 25 yd. and 50 yd. ; and two scores 
rapid fire with a time limit of 10 sec. per score 
at each of the ranges 15 yd. and 25 yd. 

The ''Record'' practice, or competition pro- 
per, is the same as the ''Preliminary" practice 
except that the course will be fired through 
twice, the total number of scores being at each 
range for each class of fire, four, instead of two. 
The order of sequence of the classes of fire 
(slow, timed, or rapid) is determined by the 
ofificer in charge of the competition, and so as 
to secure as nearly as possible equal conditions 
of firing for all competitors. In firing scores 
within a specified time limit the range officer 
gives the commands, " Ready," '* Fire." At the 
command " Ready," the competitor at the firing 
point raises his piece into position and begins 



Target Shooting 75 

to fire immediately after the command ''Fire." 

Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded 
to those making the highest scores. The regu- 
lations provide for annual competitions in each 
department, and in each even-numbered year a 
competition between representatives of all the 
departments. 

The revolver practice in the U. S. Navy con- 
sists of two classes, designated the Marksman's 
Course and the Sharpshooter's Course. Each 
course is subdivided into ''Instruction Practice" 
and "Record Practice." 

All shooting is done on target "A," which is a 
rectangle 6 ft. high by 4 ft. wide, with a circular 
black bull's-eye 8 in. in diameter, counting 5, and 
concentric circles of count with diameters as 
follows : 4 ring, 26 in. ; 3 ring, 46 in. ; 2 rect- 
angle, rest of target. 

The men are required to make 80 per cent, 
of the possible in the marksman's course before 
they can proceed on the sharpshooter's course. 

Marksman's Course (slow fire). 

Instruction Practice : 

At least I string of 6 shots, each range: 15 
yd., 25 yd., 50 yd. ; no time limit. 



76 The Pistol and Revolver 

Record Practice : 

At least I string- of 6 shots, each range: 15 
yd., 25 yd., 50 yd. ; time limit, 5 min. 

Sharpshooter's Course (rapid fire). 

Instruction Practice : 

6 shots, each range: 15 yd. ; 25 yd ; 50 yd.;' 
time limit, 18 sec. 
Record Practice : 

6 shots, each range : 15 yd. ; 25 yd. ; 50 yd. ; 
time limit, 18 sees. 

In the rapid fire practice the timing is done 
by having the target appear and disappear, re- 
maining in position for firing 18 seconds. 

In addition to the above regulation practice, 
the men are put through a thorough prelimin- 
ary course of position, sighting and aiming drill. 

The more expert men are given advanced prac- 
tice in snap, double-action and left-hand shoot- 
ing, also firing alternately at targets at different 
distances and at floating objects at unknown 
distances. 

The revolver course adopted by the National 
Guard in 1907 is divided into three classes, as 
follows : Marksman, Sharpshooter and Expert, 
using target "A" (the same as used in the U. S. 
Navy). 



Target Shooting 77 

Course for qualification as marksman and 
sharpshooter : 

Distances, 15, 25, and 50 yards. 

15 yards: 2 scores, rapid fire, 10 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

25 yards: 2 scores, rapid fire, 10 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

25 yards : 2 scores, timed fire, 30 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

50 yards : 2 scores, slow fire, i minute to each 
shot, 5 shots to each score. 

Necessary for qualification as marksman : 
Sixty-five per cent, of possible score, or 130 out 
of 200 points. Necessary for qualification as 
sharpshooter : Eighty per cent, of possible 
score, or 160 out of 200 points. 

Course for qualification as expert (open to 
sharpshooters only) : 

Distances, 15, 25, 50, and 75 yards. 

15 yards: 2 scores, rapid fire, 8 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

25 yards : 2 scores, rapid fire, 8 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

25 yards: 2 scores, timed fire, 20 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 



78 



The Pistol and Revolver 



50 yards : 2 scores, timed fire, 20 seconds to 
each score of 5 shots. 

75 yards : 2 scores, slow fire, 20 seconds to 
each shot, 5 shots to each score. 

Necessary for qualification as expert : Eighty 
per cent, of possible score, or 200 out of 250 
points. 




Fig. 49. — Standard American Target. 

Diameter of Circles 
10 circle . . 3.36 inches \ ! 6 circle . . 

9 " . . 5.54 " \ Bull's-eye • 5 " . . 

8 " . . 8.00 "J I 4 " . . 

7 " . . 11.00 " I 

Rest of target, 28 X 28 inches. 



14.80 inches 
19.68 " 
26.00 " 



Target Shooting 79 

The conditions of the Annual Championship 
Matches of the United States Revolver Asso- 
ciation are excellent, and well adapted to stimu* 
late improvement in the arms and develop the 
highest order of marksmanship. These matches 
are described in detail in the appendix. 

The official target of the United States Revolver 
Association, which is used in the annual cham- 
pionship matches and for record shooting, is the 
Standard American Target. This target is also 
used by nearly all the shooting clubs and organ- 
izations in the United States. For 50-yd. shooting 
the bull's-eye is 8 in. in diameter and contains the 
8, 9, and 10 rings. This target is well suited for 
target practice at this range. It has been used 
extensively since 1886. Ten shots, with one hun- 
dred for the possible, usually constitute a score. 
For gallery shooting at 20 yd. this target is reduced 
so that the bull's-eye is 2^-^ in. in diameter, 
and for lo-yd. shooting i in. in diameter. In 
indoor shooting smokeless powder and reduced 
charges are always to be preferred. Where arti- 
ficial ventilation is provided, some shooting may 
be done with black powder ammunition, but the 
range soon fills with smoke, rendering the targets 
indistinct and the atmosphere unpleasant. Gal- 



8o The Pistol and Revolver 

lery practice is very valuable, as it enables one to 
preserve good form in the winter months, in 
localities where it is too cold to shoot with com- 
fort and pleasure out-of-doors. An arm of large 
caliber has a decided advantage over one of small 
caliber in short-range shooting, on account of the 
larger hole made by the bullet, and, for this reason, 
the large calibers are preferred for gallery shoot- 
ing. For distances less than 25 yd. not more than 
five shots should be fired on a paper or card- 
board target. In case a close group is made, the 
scoring will be much easier and more accurate 
than when ten shots are fired at a single target. 
The best grades of target arms, including all those 
illustrated in this chapter, are capable of making 
" possibles " or perfect scores on the standard 
American target, using regulation ammunition. 
To make high scores is therefore simply a ques- 
tion of skill on the part of the shooter. 

A great many other targets designed principally 
for rifle-shooting have been recommended at 
different times by well-known and scientific marks- 
men. Some of these targets possess much merit 
and have become popular in certain localities. 
It is unquestionably a mistake to introduce new 
targets in this manner as long as satisfactory 



Target Shooting 8i 

targets are in general use, and on which all the 
important matches and records have been shot. 
The merit of a score on a new target cannot be 
judged by those unfamiliar with it, and frequently 
a highly meritorious score fails to receive the 
recognition it deserves on account of having been 
shot on a comparatively unknown target. 

In selecting a target for longer ranges than 
50 yards it is always preferable to have the 
bull's-eye sufficiently large so as to be seen with 
ease and comfort when sio^hting-. Small bull's- 
eyes strain and tire the eyes and have no ad- 
vantage whateven 

In England and France the targets generally 
have smaller bull's-eyes than here. At Bisley, the 
shooting is principally at a distance of 20 yards 
on a bull's-eye 2 in. in diameter. At 50 yards 
the bull's-eye is 4 in. in diameter. The English 
targets have no circles of count within the 
bull's-eye. The regulation targets of the United 
Shooting Societies of France have bull's-eyes 5 
and 6 centimetres in diameter for the pistol and 
revolver respectively, at 20 metres, and 20 centi-. 
metres in diameter for 50-metre shooting. All 
these taro^ets have two or more circles of count 
within the bulls-eve. 



82 The Pistol and Revolver 

Revolver Practice for the Police 

The revolver is a part of the regular equip- 
ment of the police force of nearly every city in 
this country. Unfortunately, the general lack 
of any regulations for the care of and practice 
with these arms largely nullifies their usefulness. 
Even in the large cities, members of the police 
force frequently admit that they have not used 
or cleaned their arms for six months, or more. 
An inspection of the arms under such conditions 
not infrequently reveals the fact that center-fire 
arms are loaded with rim-fire ammunition, and 
vice-versa. The mechanism is often so badly 
rusted that the cylinder will not revolve and the 
barrel so corroded as to seriously impair its 
accuracy. When occasion requires the use of 
the arms under such conditions, accidents almost 
invariably result, either to the policemen who 
attempt to fire the arms, or to innocent by- 
standers and property. 

The records of every large municipality show 
that large sums are annually disbursed in litiga- 
tion and to individuals who have suffered either 
personal wounds or property damage from acci- 
dents of this character. 



Revolver Practice for the Police 83 

By adopting suitable arms, and regulations 
governing practice shooting with them, it is en- 
tirely practicable and comparatively easy to train 
a large police force to become good marksmen. 
The possibility of accidents is thus reduced to a 
minimum and the efficiency of the men increased 
to a maximum. The moral effect of a high 
order of marksmanship of an entire police force, 
when generally known, cannot be over-esti- 
mated. Practice and skill in the use of the 
revolver embodies the essential elements of rifle 
shooting, so that in case of riot, insurrection, or 
war, a large police force could be made quickly 
available for duty with very little additional 
instruction, by arming them with rifles. 

A practical plan to develop such results is as 
follows : The services of a competent person to 
teach the men must first be secured. This man 
should be an experienced and skilful marksman 
with the revolver and be qualified to maintain 
proper discipline and teach the subject in all its 
details. A suitable range must next be pro- 
vided. Two men from each precinct selected 
for their fitness to become instructors should 
then be detailed to take a prescribed course of 
training and practice under the teacher referred 



84 The Pistol and Revolver 

to. Each of these men should devote not less 
than four hours a week to this course. In four 
months' time these men should be qualified to 
undertake the work of training and instructing 
others under the inspection and supervision of 
the original teacher. After providing sufficient 
range facilities, squads of men from each pre- 
cinct should then be detailed for practice and 
instruction under their own instructors, devoting 
at least two hours per man per week to this 
work. At least one and one-half hours of this 
time should be devoted to actual practice shoot- 
ing. After sufficient skill has been developed, 
teams of the different precincts should shoot 
matches with each other, which will keep up a 
friendly rivalry and promote interest in their 
work. 

By adopting such a plan it is possible, within 
a year from its inception, to convert an entire 
police force into perfectly safe and reliable shots 
of good ability ; /. e., such ability as would 
enable all of them to hit an object the size of a 
man every time at lOO feet. The mistake is 
sometimes made of requiring the men to prac- 
tice during off-duty time ; this has never proved 
successful. 



Revolver Practice for the Police 85 

After the first year, or after a sufficient degree 
of skill has been developed, the efficiency of the 
men can be preserved and maintained by devot- 
ing an hour every two weeks to regulation prac- 
tice. There is little doubt but that the cost of 
the time and ammunition devoted to such a 
course of training would be more than offset by 
the elimination of a large portion of the acci- 
dents, litigation, etc., that result under the 
present conditions. 

Much of the efficiency that it is possible to 
attain depends upon the character of the regu- 
lation arm that may be adopted for police 
service. Such an arm should be of large calibre 
and sufficient powder to fulfil the requirements. 
When carried in the pocket the perspiration of 
the body causes rust, and a nickel finish will 
generally be more serviceable than any other. 
The sights, hammers and other projections 
should be of suitable form, and as referred to 
in the text under " Pocket Arms." In order to 
secure suitable accuracy, the barrel should be 
4 in. in length and the trigger pull 4 lbs. A 
first-class weapon for police service is the .38- 
cal. Smith & Wesson safety hammerless, the 
.38-cal. Colt New Police, or the .32 cal. side 



86 The Pistol and Revolver 

swing action Smith & Wesson or Colt revolvers. 
The .38-cal. Smith & Wesson safety hammerless 
is particularly well adapted for police service, 
the safety feature making accidental discharge 
almost impossible, and being also a decided 
advantage in case the weapon should fall into 
the hands of an unskilled antagonist. 

In all cases a regulation arm and ammunition 
should be adopted so as to secure uniformity 
and involve the purchase of only one line of 
supplies and ammunition. 

Pistol Shooting for Ladies 

The great majority of ladies have some inher- 
ent dread of all varieties of fire arms. This 
no doubt is largely due to the senseless and 
irresistible desire of inexperienced persons to 
indulge in a mock-heroic display and flourish 
of such arms when in the presence of ladies. 
All useless demonstration and ostentation with 
fire arms serves only to distinguish those who 
are unfamiliar with their proper manipulation 
and use. Persons handling arms in this manner 
should be avoided, or promptly compelled to 
desist. Many of the accidents of the "" I did 



Pistol Shooting for Ladies 87 

not know it was loaded " order occur in this 
manner. 

There is nothing occult or mysteriously dan- 
gerous about fire arms, but their potential power 
must never be forgotten in handling them. As 
a weapon of defense the revolver places the 
weakest and most diminutive person skilled in 
its use, on an equality with the most powerful 
antagonist. Ladies who travel extensively and 
visit semi-civilized countries, especially the 
wives and daughters of army and navy officers 
assigned to foreign stations, should be thor- 
oughly familiar with fire arms and skilled in 
their use. The necessity of knowing how to 
shoot, like knowing how to swim, may occur 
but once in a woman's lifetime, but when occa- 
sion does require either, it is generally under 
circumstances involving peril to life, and for 
that reason both are advantageous and valuable 
accomplishments. Every woman should, there- 
fore, be sufficiently familiar with fire arms to 
know how to handle them safely, and, in an 
emergency, to use them with intelligence. 
While skill in the use of the pistol and revolver 
is a useful accomplishment, the practice shoot- 
ing with these arms will prove exceedingly in- 



88 The Pistol and Revolver 

teresting. Target practice with the .22-cal. pis- 
tol is particularly well suited for ladies, and 
those who have had the opportunity to indulge 
in it, have invariably found it an enjoyable and 
fascinating pastime. There is every reason, too, 
to believe that ladies would excel and develop 
a higher order of skill in pistol shooting than 
gentlemen, because they are generally more 
temperate and possess a more delicate nervous 
system. 

A number of civilian shooting clubs have 
successful ladies' auxiliary clubs, and there are 
at the present time a large number of ladies 
who are skillful markswomen with the pistol and 
revolver. 

Any of the target pistols referred to in the 
text under the subject of Arms (except the 
Remington pistol, which is a very heavy piece) 
are suitable for ladies' use. A very serviceable 
and handsome combination is furnished by 
Smith & Wesson, which consists of their regu- 
lar target pistol with a lo-inch barrel and an 
interchangeable .38-cal. revolver barrel and cylin- 
der, fitting to the same stock. These are fur- 
nished in a special case with cleaning rods, etc., 
making a complete and attractive outfit. 



Pistol Shooting for Ladies Sg 

It is well to begin practice with a .22-cal. 
pistol, as this is a light and very pleasant charge 
to shoot, and the tendency to "flinch" is re- 
duced to a minimum. After a fair degree of 
skill has been developed with the .22-cal. pistol, 




Combination Set. — Smith & Wesson .38-Cal. Revolver, .22-Cal. 
Pistol, Utensils, etc., in Case. 

reduced charges with a revolver may be tried, 
and from this stage the practice shooting can 
progress to the regulation full charges. It is 
desirable that ladies should have a little prac- 
tice with the revolver with full charo-ed ammuni- 
tion, so as to be able to manipulate them with 
sufficient skill in case of necessitv. 



90 The Pistol and Revolver 

Glubs and Ranges^ 

Whenever three or more persons in any locality 
are interested in rifle or revolver shooting, a club 
can generally be organized and additional mem- 
bers secured. If the business affairs are prop- 
erly and conservatively managed, much pleasure 
will result for the members at a nominal cost. 
Approximate ideas of the cost of constructing 
and maintaining ranges and indoor '' galleries'' 
can generally be obtained by communicating 
with the officers of existing clubs. In preparing 
the Constitution and By-Laws, that of the U. S. 
Revolver Association will be an excellent guide. 
The secretary-treasurer of that association will 
be able to give valuable assistance to new clubs. 

The first requisite of a shooting club is a 
suitable range. A 50-yard range adapted for 
pistol and revolver practice can be constructed 
at a comparatively small expense. At the firing 
point a room or house should be provided with 
booths at least 3 ft. wide, with openings facing 
the targets. A substantial butt must be pro- 

^ For a complete detailed description of range construction, including 
illustrations, practical working drawings, etc., the reader is referred to 
Rifle Range Construction, published by The E. I, du Pont Powder 
Company, Rifle Smokeless Division, Wilmington, Delaware. 



Clubs and Ranges 91 

vided behind the targets to stop the bullets, 
including the wildest shots. This should be an 
earthen embankment, or may be a natural un- 
inhabited hill with a steep slope toward the 
range. The range should be measured and laid 
out by an engineer, or other competent person 
using a steel tape. A pit at least 8^ ft. deep 
should be dug for the safe accommodation of 
the markers, and provided with a safely shielded 
side entrance. The uprights and other target 
framing should set against the back side of this 
pit. The width of the pit from the framing 
tow^ard the firing point should be 5 ft., and the 
length should be made about 3-|^ ft. for each 
set of alternating targets. The alternating 
target frames to which the targets are to be 
attached may be of wood covered with canvas, 
and should be at least 5 ft. square. These 
should be so arranged that they can easily be 
moved up and down between the vertical posts 
in grooves or slides, like '' double hung'' window 
sash, and so as to balance each other by means 
of cords running over pulleys located in the 
posts at about the height of the bottom of the 
target when in its highest position, the cords 
being attached to the lower corners of the 



92 The Pistol and Revolver 

frames. They should be adjusted so that when 
one target is at the top and in position to be 
fired at, the other is at the bottom of the pit. 
Over each set of alternating targets and attached 
to a cross piece at the top of the uprights should 
be placed large numbers from 3 to 10 inclusive, 
for marking each target. A roof or shelter 
should be erected so as to shade the target and 
keep out the rain. Suitable timbers should be 
provided to protect the slides or grooves be- 
tween the targets from damage by wild shots. 
Steel plates are sometimes placed a short dis- 
tance behind the targets, slanting forward at the 
top, to positively stop the majority of the bullets, 
but these must be far enough behind the targets 
that the spatter of the lead will not injure the 
men in the pit. If possible, have the targets so 
located that they are due north of the firing point. 
Such a range is operated as follows : A 
marker is sent into the pit for each target to be 
operated ; paper targets having been pasted to 
the canvas on the frames a sufficient length of 
time previously so as to be dry. The marker 
pulls down one of the targets which raises the 
other into the firing position. As soon as the 
shot is fired, the marker, using a lo-ft. rod with 




Details of Alternating Targets, Pit, etc., for 50- Yard Range. 



94 The Pistol and Revolver 

an iron disc 2i-in. in diameter fastened on the 
end as a pointer, ''spots" the shot by placing 
the disc over the bullet hole, and then pointing 
to one of the numbers over the target corres- 
ponding to the value of the shot. The disc on 
the pointer should have one side painted white 
so that it can be easily distinguished when cov- 
ering shots in the bull's-eye. 

The scorer at the firing point then scores the 
shot as indicated by the marker. The marker 
then raises the target at the bottom of the pit 
in position for the next shot, which brings the 
first target down into the pit where the marker 
covers the bullet hole with a paster. This 
operation is repeated for each shot. 

Where a score of ten consecutive shots is to 
be made on each paper target, the target is fast- 
ened to the frame with double pointed carpet 
tacks and left in the firing position until the ten 
shot score is completed, each shot being ''spot- 
ted," marked, and scored as fired. When the 
score is completed, another paper target having 
been placed on the alternating frame in the pit, 
the latter is raised in position promptly ready 
for the next score. 

In large cities it is often necessary to provide 



96 The Pistol and Revolver 

a suitable range for target shooting indoors and 
by artificial light. Such a range is designated 
a ''gallery." The standard range is 20 yd. for 
the revolver and pistol, and 25 yd. for the rifie. 
The arrangement at the firing point is practi- 
cally the same as in the case of the 50-yd. 
ranges, the booths being at least 3 ft. wide. 
On account of the small size of the target and 
the short distance, it is feasible to move the 
target -back and forth from the firing point to 
the butt by "trolleys" operated by a hand 
wheel, the latter being located generally at the 
left hand side in the booth at the firing point. 
The "trolley" or carriage consists of a heavy 
steel spring clamp holding a cardboard target 
(about 9 inches square) at the top edge of the 
target, the carriage being supported by a No. 8 
or lo-gauge wire stretched from the firing point 
to the butt, at a level of about 2 ft. above the 
line of fire. The supporting wires are attached 
to the wood-work at the firing point by means 
of eye-bolts, which also regulate the tension of 
the wires. The trolleys are operated back and 
forth by an endless braided cord passing around 
angles over pulleys screwed to the wood work 
of the booth, and around the hand wheel. A 



Clubs and Ranges 97 

steel plate with the lower part inclined away 
from the firing point 20 or 30 degrees is placed 
about 12 inches back of the targets to stop the 
bullets and prevent them from gouging out the 
wall or woodwork behind. By deflecting the 
plates as described, the spatter of the lead is 
directed downward, and thus prevents damage 
to the woodwork around the targets. A suita- 
ble background behind the targets may be pro- 
vided by white or light gray paint, or by a suit- 
able fabric. 

If the spatter of the bullets mars the targets, 
a shield of i-in. boards can be erected and 
maintained between the target and the steel 
plate. 

The lighting may be accomplished by a line 
of gas jets or electric lights about 2 ft. in front 
of the targets and at the same distance either 
above or below them. At least two jets should 
be used to light each target, otherwise the 
flicker of the gas jets makes the light unsatis- 
factory. The reflectors should be of tin or 
other metal, polished or painted white. Glass 
is too fragile for this purpose. Heavy timbers 
or steel plates must be provided to protect the 
^ lights and piping from wild shots. A telescope 



98 The Pistol and Revolver 

is mounted in each booth to enable the marks- 
man to see the location of shots in the bull's- 
eye. 

When floor space is limited the rifle ranges 
can sometimes be located over the revolver 
ranges, or the latter, if the range is in a cellar, may 
be depressed by constructing a pit of a suitable 
depth at the firing point. The booths for rifle 
shooting and the operation of the targets are 
practically the same as already described. 

It is best to complete all the work at the 
target end of the range first. After the location 
of the targets is definitely fixed the position of 
the firing line can be determined by making the 
distance from the target to the firing point two 
inches in excess of 20 yd. or 50 yd. as the case 
may be. The slight excess distance is import- 
ant to avoid any possibility of having scores 
disqualified in case the range should later be 
checked or verified and found *' short." It is 
desirable whenever possible to have the ranges 
of standard length, especially if matches with 
other clubs are contemplated. 

The table for cleaning arms, and for tools, 
oils, utensils, surplus ammunition, etc., should 
never be placed near the booths, but on the 



Clubs and Ranges 99 

opposite side of the room, to avoid congestion 
at the firing line. 

The floor on which the contestants stand at 
the firing Hne must be firm and solid, so as not 
to vibrate or move when others walk about in 
close proximity. A concrete floor covered with 
a carpet or rug of firm texture is excellent. 

The following simple rules should be printed 
and posted in conspicuous places in every shoot- 
ing range or gallery : 

RULES 

Arms shall be unloaded until the contestant is at the firing 
point. 

Loaded arms shall be handled with the muzzle pointing- 
toward the targets. 

Automatic arms shall be used only under the personal direc- 
tion of the Shooting Master. 

Contestants are requested to use the greatest care in handling 
arms at all times. 

The authority of the Shooting Master in charge shall be abso- 
lute. 

The rules ot the United States Revolver Association shall 
govern all match shooting. 

The above rules must be strictly observed and will be enforced. 

The Walnut Hill Range of the Massachusetts 
Rifle Association is one of the best 50-yd. re- 
volver ranges in the country. A well-equipped 
gallery that has recently been built is that of 
the Crescent Athletic Club, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

COFC 



loo The Pistol and Revolver 

Hints to Beginners^ 

Selection of Arms. — There is no single arm 
that can be used advantageously for all classes of 
shooting. It is therefore necessary in the first 
place to decide for what purpose the arm is to 
be used. A careful perusal of the text under 
" Arms " and " Ammunition," will be of assistance 
in reaching a decision. The next step is the se- 
lection of the arm. As already stated, the cheap, 
unreliable, and unsafe arms are to be carefully 
avoided. It is preferable to buy a second-hand 
arm of a reputable manufacturer, if in good con- 
dition, than a new one of inferior make. Second- 
hand arms frequently have defects that cannot be 
detected by the novice, and, if obliged to buy a 
second-hand arm, it is advisable to ask some ex- 
pert shot to assist in making the selection. The 
price of the best grades of pistols and revolvers 
is, fortunately, within the reach of almost every 
one, and, if at all possible, new arms should be 
purchased. 

In any case, whether a new or a second-hand 

^ Under this subject the author aims to give helpful practical infor- 
mation and advice for the benefit of all who wish to acquire skill in pistol 
r?.nd revolver shooting. 



Hints to Beginners loi 

arm is to be chosen, it is well to examine and 
handle all the different models of the best makers. 
The fit and feel of the arm are very important. 
Select an arm that feels comfortable, and which, 
when properly held, fits the hand so that the first 
joint of the trigger finger just touches the trigger 
when that part of the finger is bent at right angles 
to the barrel. 

The correct manner of holding the pistol or 
revolver is here shown, and illustrates how the 
hand should fit the arm. Note particularly the 
position of the trigger finger and the thumb. 
The trigger finger in this position acts directly 
backward in pressing the trigger, and the thumb 
assists materially in steadying the piece. If the 
piece is too large for the hand, the trigger finger 
will be more or less extended, and will pull side- 
wise to a greater or less degree, and thus increase 
the difficulty of fine shooting. The fit of the arm 
is much more important, and has a vastly greater 
effect upon the results than fine distinctions be- 
tween the merits of the different arms. Anv of 
those named are excellent and are capable of shoot- 
ing much more accurately than they can possibly 
be held by the most expert shots. A man with a 
large hand will probably find the Remington pistol 



Hints to Beginners 103 

or the Colt New Service revolver best suited for 
him; another with a hand of medium size will 
find the S. & W. pistol or the S. & W. Russian 
Model revolver most desirable ; while another still, 
with a small hand, may prefer the Stevens pistol 
or the .38-cal. military revolver, either the S. & W. 
or the Colt. 

r If an arm is wanted for steady use, select the 
plain blued finish, and wood handles; elaborate 
engraving and gold, silver, copper, or nickel fin- 
ished arms are handsome and pleasing, but, if 
much used, become burnt and discolored where 
the powder gases escape, and soon become un- 
sightly. A blued finish is also to be preferred 
when shooting in the sunlight. Most arms as 
offered on the market have hard rubber handles. 
These become smooth and slippery when the hand 
perspires, and are not as desirable as wood handles. 
A few expert shots prefer pearl handles^. 

The trigger pull should have the smallest pos- 
sible travel and be smooth and positive. The 
smaller the travel of the hammer, the quicker will 
be the discharge after pulling the trigger. If the 
trigger does not pull smooth and " sweet," or be- 
comes " creepy " from w^ear, it should be corrected 
by a skilled gunsmith. While the rules allow a 



I04 The Pistol and Revolver 

trigger pull of 2 lb. for the pistol and 2^ lb. 
for the target revolver, many expert shots 
prefer to have their arm pull from |- to i lb, 
more. The rules also allow 7-| and 8 in. bar- 
rels for the revolver. Most of the experienced 
shots prefer to have their revolvers balance near 
the trigger, and are of the opinion that the extra 
length of barrel above 6i in. does not offset 
the disadvantage of poorer balance. In the pistol, 
however, the length of barrel is invariably 10 
in. Accuracy is lost very rapidly as the distance 
between the sights is reduced below 7^ in. 

For target-shooting, the .22-cal. pistols will 
be found admirably suited for beginners. The 
charge being light, there is less liability to 
'' flinch," a fault easily and almost invariably ac- 
quired when the novice begins shooting with a 
heavy charge. The practice in aiming and pull- 
ing the trigger with these arms is excellent train- 
ing and a first-rate and valuable preliminary to 
the more difficult and practical work with the 
revolver. 

The double-action feature in a revolver is of 
very little practical value. Owing to the varying 
amount of resistance to the trigger in operating 
the mechanism, the aim is disturbed more than if 



Hints to Beginners 105 

the hammer is cocked with the thumb. Even in 
rapid-fire shooting better results are obtained with 
a double-action arm if used as a single action. 
It is also more difficult to make the trigger pull 
smooth and short in double-action mechanisms. 

Manipttlation, — Most of the accidents with 
firearms are caused by carelessness and ignorance 
in manipulating them. The revolver and pistol, 
being much smaller, are more dangerous to han- 
dle than the rifle or the shotgun. An experi- 
enced pistol shot can easily be singled out by 
the extreme care and unostentation with which 
he handles his arms. 

On picking up an arm, or if one is handed to 
you, open the action at once and make sure it is 
not loaded. Always do this, even if it is your 
own arm and you are quite sure it was not loaded 
when you last put it away ; some one, without 
any idea of the danger, may have loaded it in 
your absence. Cultivate and practise the habit 
of always holding the arm, whether loaded or un- 
loaded, so that it points in a direction where it 
would do no harm if it were to go off unexpect- 
edly. By observing these simple rules, serious 
accidents will be impossible. No one should be 
allowed to handle firearms in a shooting club or 



io6 The Pistol and Revolver 

participate in any of the public matches until these 
rules have been thoroughly mastered. 

Position and Aiming. — If you know of a club 
or shooting organization to which one or more 
first-rate pistol and revolver shots belong, it is 
well to join it, if possible. Much more rapid prog- 
ress can be made by observation and by follow- 
ing the suggestions of experienced shots than if 
one is obliged to solve the various problems with- 
out such assistance or advice. In order to famil- 
iarize yourself with your arm, it is well to practise 
aiming and pulling the trigger before any actual 
shooting is attempted. By inserting an empty 
shell for the hammer to strike upon, the piece 
may be aimed and "snapped'' without injury. 
The position you adopt is very important. Stand 
firmly on both feet, with the body perfectly bal- 
anced and turned at such an anole as is most 
comfortable when the arm is extended toward the 
target in aiming. Let the left arm assume any 
position that may be comfortable and natural. 
Select a small black spot with an extensive white 
background to sight at. A small black paster on 
a window-pane, with the sky for a background, is 
excellent for this purpose. When the aiming is 
correct, that is, when the sights are properly 



Hints fo Beginners to; 

aligned, their position with reference to the spot 
or bulls-eye should be as shown in Fig. 51. The 
top of the front sight should just make contact 
with the lower edge of the bull's-eye corresponding 
to the position of VI o'clock. It has been found 
by experience that it is much less fatiguing to 
lower the arm, holding the piece, to the target than 
to raise it, fully extended, up to the target. 

With the pistol or revolver in the right hand, 
cock the hammer with the thumb, making sure 
that the trigger finger is free from the trigger 
and resting against the forward inner surface of 
the trigger guard. In cocking the piece, have the 
barrel pointing upward. Then extend the arm 
upward and forward, so that when you assume 
your firing position the piece will point about 
twenty degrees above the bull's-eye. With your 
eyes fixed on the bull's-eye at VI o'clock, inhale 
enough air fully but comfortably to fill the lungs, 
and lower the piece gradually until the line of 
the sights comes a short distance below the bull's- 
eye. Now, holding your breath and steadying 
the piece as well as you possibly can, bring the 
line of the sights into the position shown in Fig. 
51. At the same time gradually increase the 
pressure on the trigger directly backward, so that 



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Hints to Beginners 109 

when the sights are pointing at the bull's-eye the 
hammer will fall. Be careful not to pull the trig- 
ger with a jerk, but ease it off with a gentle 
squeeze, so as not to disturb the aim. Accustom 
yourself not to close the eye when the hammer 
falls, but note carefully w^here the line of the 
sights actually points at the instant that the ham- 
mer falls. You will, no doubt, find it almost im- 
possible to pull the trigger at the moment the 
sights are just right. The hammer will fall when 
the line of the sights may point a little too high 
or too low, or to one side or the other of the 
bull's-eye; but patient practice wdll correct this, 
and in time you will be able to let off the arm at 
the right moment. 

The pulling of the trigger is a very delicate 
operation ; it is, in fact, the most important detail 
to master — the secret of pistol and revolver 
shooting. If the trigger is pulled suddenly, in 
the usual way, at the instant when the sights ap- 
pear to be properly aligned, the aim is so seri- 
ously disturbed that a wild shot will result. To 
avoid this, the pressure on the trigger must 
always be steadily applied, and while the sights 
are in line with the bull's-eye. It is, of course, im- 
possible to hold the arm absolutely still, and aim 



no The Pistol and Revolver 

steadily at one point while the pressure is being 
applied to the trigger; but, in aiming, the un- 
steadiness of the shooter will cause the line of 
the sights to point above the bulFs-eye, then below 
it, to one side of it, and then to the other, back 
and forth and around it, as shown by the dotted 
lines in Fig. 52. Each time that the line of the 
sights passes over the bull's-eye the smallest pos- 
sible increment of additional pressure is succes- 
sively applied to the trigger until the piece is 
finally discharged at one of the moments that the 
sights are in correct alignment. Long and regu- 
lar practice alone will secure the necessary train- 
ing of the senses and muscles to act in sufficient 
harmony to enable one to pull the trigger in this 
way at the right moment for a long series of 
shots. A " fine sympathy " must be established 
between the hand, the eye, and the brain, render- 
ing them capable of instant cooperation. The 
consciousness of the voluntary concurrence of 
the mind and the muscular system constitutes 
the real charm of pistol and revolver shooting. 

After obtaining a fair idea of aiming, etc., 
watch carefully when the hammer falls, and note 
if it jars the piece and disturbs the aim. If not, 
you are holding the arm properly. If the aim is 



Hints to Beginners 1 1 1 

disturbed, you must grip the arm tighter or more 
loosely, or move your hand up or down on the 
handle, or otherwise change your method of hold- 
ing the piece until your " hold " is such that you 
can snap the hammer and the aim remain undis- 
turbed. This aiming drill is largely practised by 
expert shots indoors, when they do not have the 
opportunity to practise regularly out of doors. 

Target Practice, — If your first actual shooting 
is done at the range of a club, it is best to ask 
one of the members to coach you until you get 
accustomed to the rules, etc. A target will be as- 
signed to you, and you will repair to the firing 
point and load your arm. It is well to let your 
coach fire the first shot or tw^o, to see if your 
piece is sighted approximately right. If so, you 
are ready to begin shooting. If the sights appear 
to be as in Fig. 5 1 at the moment of discharge, 
then the bullet should hit the centre of the bulTs- 
eye. If, after several shots, you are convinced 
that the bullet does not strike where it should, 
the arm is not properly sighted for you. In ad- 
justing the sights, you will find it an advantage 
to remember a very simple rule : To correct the 
rear sight, move it in the same direction as you 
would the shots on the target to correct them ; or 



I 12 



The Pistol and Revolver 



move the front sight in the opposite direction. 
Most target arms have the front sight non-adjust- 
able, and the rear sight adjustable for both windage 
and elevation. A few arms have interchangeable 
or adjustable front sights for elevation. Move 
the sights a little at a time, according to the fore- 
going rules, until they are properly aligned. A 
few ten-shot scores should then be fired for 
record. As you become accustomed to the 
range, rules, etc., you will feel more at ease. 
This will inspire confidence, and your shooting 
will improve correspondingly. Do not have your 
sights too fine. Fine sights are much more 
straining on the eyes, and have no advantage 
over moderately coarse sights. The rear sights, 
as generally furnished, are purposely made with 
very small notches, so as to enable individuals to 
make them any desired size. It is well to have 
the trigger pull at least ^ of a pound greater than 
the minimum allowed by the rules. If much 
used, the pull sometimes wears lighter; and if 
there is little or no margin, you run the risk of 
having your arm disqualified when you wish to 
enter an important match. 

Never use other ammunition in your arm than 
that for which it is chambered. A number of 



Hints to Beginners 113 

accidents and much difficulty have resulted from 
using wrong ammunition. In the same caliber 
the actual diameter of the bullets frequently 
varies considerably, and a few shots, even if they 
should not prove dangerous, may lead the barrel, 
and thus cause much delay and annoyance. 
When a barrel is " leaded " from any cause it will 
become inaccurate. In such cases, particles of 
lead usually adhere to the inside of the barrel at 
or near the breech. A brass wire brush, of suit- 
able size to fit the barrel, will generally remove it. 
When this fails, carefully remove all oil, cork 
up the opposite end of the barrel and fill it with 
mercury, letting the latter remain in the barrel 
until the lead is removed. 

Occasionally the powder is accidentally omitted 
in loading a cartridge. When the primer ex- 
plodes, the bullet may be driven partly through 
the barrel and remain in it. When this happens, 
whether from this cause or any other, always be 
careful to push the bullet out of the barrel before 
firing another shot. If the bullet is not removed, 
and another shot is fired, the barrel will be bulged 
and ruined. This may occur with a light gallery 
charge. 

When shooting the .22-cal. long rifle cartridge. 



1 1 4 The Pistol and Revolver 

there will be an occasional misfire. In with- 
drawing the cartridge the bullet will stick in the 
barrel and the pow^der spill into the action. 
To prevent this, hold the barrel vertically, with 
the muzzle up, and withdraw the shell carefully. 
Then remove the bullet in the barrel with a 
cleaning rod ; or extract the bullet from a new 
cartridge, inserting the shell filled with pow^der 
into the chamber back of the bullet and fire it in 
the usual manner. Do not use BB caps in any 
pistol that you value. They are loaded with ful- 
minate of mercury and the bullets have no lubri- 
cation. These caps wall ruin a barrel in a very 
short time. The .22-cal. conical ball caps con- 
tain powder, and the bullets are lubricated, making 
this a much better cartridge ; but it is best to 
adhere to the regular .22 ammunition for which 
the arm is chambered. 

Never under any circumstances shoot at ob- 
jects on the heads or in the hands of persons. 
There is always a possibility of something going 
wrong, and such risk to human life is unjustifi- 
able, no matter how skilful you may be. 

Before competing in any match be sure to 
thoroughly familiarize yourself with all the con- 
ditions. This will prevent mistakes which fre- 



Hints to Beginners 1 1 5 

quently disqualify competitors and lead to disa- 
greeable controversies. Avoid getting into any 
arguments or disputes with range officers, or 
officials in charge of the matches, and particu- 
larly while the matches are in progress. The 
range officers are invariably extremely busy and 
it is unjust to the other competitors to usurp 
more of their time than is your proper portion. 
They are generally intelligent men who have 
been selected because of their fitness for the 
positions they hold, and their decisions and 
rulings should be accepted as final. If for good 
cause you should wish to protest against any 
decision or ruling of an officer in charge, do it 
in a quiet and gentlemanly way, and whether the 
rules require it or not, such protest should be 
made in writing. 

The annual matches of the United States 
Army, the National Guard and Militia organiz- 
ations are generally held at some selected state 
or government range, and at a certain specified 
time. All the contestants are, therefore, shoot- 
ing on the same ground and under approxi- 
mately the same conditions. All the revolver 
matches, except such as are conducted in the 
armories during cold weather, are shot in the 



1 1 6 The Pistol and Revolver 

open; i. e. without shelter or protection from 
the wind. When shooting under these condi- 
tions in the glaring sunlight, it is a decided ad- 
vantage to wear suitable, colored, large-lensed 
spectacles to temper the bright light and rest 
the eyes. The sights and top surface of the 
barrel should be smoked or blackened to pre- 
vent the reflection of light. This may be 
accomplished by burning a small piece of gum 
camphor, which makes an excellent smoke for 
this purpose, or by painting with ''sight black." 
A wide rimmed hat will also add to the shoot- 
er s comfort in the bright sunlight. Nailed or 
rubber soles for the boots or shoes are to be 
preferred because they do not wear slippery. 

In squadded competitions the weather condi- 
tions must be accepted as they are at the time 
of the shooting. In re-entry and individual 
matches the time of shooting is sometimes op- 
tional with the competitor. When this is the 
case it is a decided advantage to select a time 
when the conditions of light, wind, etc., are 
most favorable. On normal clear days, the 
early forenoon, or just before sunset, are gener- 
ally the most favorable for suitable light. The 
wind generally slacks up to a certain degree 



Hints to Beginners 117 

also just before sundown. Immediately after a 
shower the conditions are sometimes excellent. 
The position of the target w^ith reference to the 
sun must also be taken into consideration. It 
is generally best to shoot directly toward or 
directly away from the sun. Rapid-fire shoot- 
ing in a gusty wind is perhaps more difficult 
than under any other conditions. When the 
wind is steady one can brace up against it and 
do fair shooting, but when it is unsteady there 
will invariably be some wild shots. In deliber- 
ate untimed shooting one can wait for a lull and 
get the shots in during such brief intervals. 

In practising rapid-fire shooting, great care is 
necessary in order to prevent accidents, especially 
in the case of the automatic pistols, which remain 
cocked and ready to pull the trigger after each 
shot. In shooting within a time limit, practise to 
use the entire period allowed and endeavor to do 
the best possible work, getting in the last shot 
just before the end of the period. 

In training for matches be abstemious and 
maintain good physical condition. If your liver 
is torpid it must be stimulated. Do not tire 
yourself with too much practice shooting. One 
to two hours practice daily is ample. 



1 1 8 The Pistol and Revolver 

It is also necessary to exercise extreme care in 
practising with the pocket revolver. Some per- 
sons delight in practising quick drawing from the 
pocket and firing one or more shots. This is 
dangerous work for the novice to attempt. Most 
of the pocket weapons are double action. If the 
finger gets into the trigger guard and the arm 
catches in the pocket when drawing, a premature 
discharge is likely to result, which is always un- 
pleasant and sometimes disastrous. Practice in 
drawing the revolver from the pocket or holster 
should always be begun with the arm unloaded. 
Only after a fair degree of skill is acquired should 
actual shooting be attempted. For quick drawing 
from the pocket the only double-action revolvers 
that are fairly safe to handle are the S. & W. 
Safety Hammerless, and the Colt " Double Ac- 
tion," which has a safety notch for the hammer to 
rest on. 

Drawing a revolver from a holster is easier and 
much less dangerous than drawing it from the 
pocket. Larger and more practical arms are gen- 
erally carried in holsters, and such arms should be 
single action in all cases. In practising with a 
holster weapon, fasten the holster on the belt, and 
anchor the belt so that the holster will always be 



Hints fo Beginners 119 

at the same relative position. The holster should 
be cut out so that the forefinger can be placed on 
the trigger in drawing. Always carry a loaded 
arm with the hammer resting on an empty cham- 
ber or between two cartridges. In the woods, or 
in localities where such shooting would not be 
likely to do any harm, it is good practice to shoot 
at a block of wood drifting down in the current 
of a swift-flowing stream, at a block of wood or a 
tin can swinging like a pendulum, from horseback 
at stationary and moving objects, and from a 
moving- boat at similar objects. Such practice is 
largely indulged in by cowboys, ranchmen, and 
others in the western part of the United States. 
Many of the published reports of wonderful shoot- 
ing of this character are gross exaggerations. 
Such shooting is generally rapid-fire work with 
heavy charges at extremely short range, and while 
it is to be commended as being extremely practi- 
cal, the actual performiances do not compare fa- 
vorably with similar work done by many amateur 
shots. 

In shooting a long series of shots with black 
powder ammunition, when the rules allow it, the 
barrel should be cleaned and examined every six 
or ten shots, depending upon the clean-shooting 



I20 The Pistol and Revolver 

qualities of the ammunition used. It is well to 
examine the shells, also, and note if the primers 
have been struck in the centre. If not, then 
some of the mechanism is out of line, and the 
parts likely to have caused the trouble must be 
cleaned. 

After securing good, reliable arms, stick to 
them. Much time and progress is frequently lost 
by buying and trying different arms, ammunition, 
etc. If, in any of your shooting, you should get 
results that are peculiar and unsatisfactory, make 
it your business to find out the cause of the diffi- 
culty, and remedy it as soon as possible. " Blazing 
away " a large quantity of ammunition carelessly 
and recklessly is absolutely valueless as prac- 
tice, and is a waste of time. Give your whole 
attention to your work, and try your very best to 
place every shot in the centre of the bulTs-eye. It 
is important to keep a full, detailed record of all 
your shooting, for comparison, study, etc. A suit- 
able book should be provided for this purpose. 
Do not fall into the habit of preserving only a 
few of the best scores ; but make it a rule to keep 
a record of every shot, and figure out the average 
of each day's work. The more painstaking and 
systematic you are, the more rapid will be your 



Hints to Beginners 121 

progress. By careful, intelligent work, it is pos- 
sible to become a fair shot in three or four months, 
and a first-rate shot in a year. 

After a number of good shots have been devel- 
oped in any club, there is generally a desire to 
measure skill with the members of another club. 
This leads to friendly matches, which are usually 
very enjoyable and instructive. Shooting in a 
match places a man under a certain strain which 
affects individuals quite differently; some become 
nervous and shoot poorly when the best work is 
expected of them, while others are braced up by 
the occasion and shoot brilliantly. 

Cleaning and Care of Arms, — To maintain 
the highest efficiency in an arm, it is necessary 
to keep it in perfect order. The working parts 
must be kept clean and oiled, and the barrel 
should receive special attention and care. The 
residue of some powders is less injurious than 
that of others, but the arm should in all cases be 
cleaned and oiled immediately after it has been 
used. The cleaning should be very thorough. 
Heavy new cotton flannel is excellent for this 
purpose. It should be perfectly dry. Much of 
the fouling will rub off without moisture, but if 
moisture is necessary to soften the fouling in 



122 The Pistol and Revolver 

places, use a thin oil. Never use water, ordinary 
kerosene, or similar fluids. For certain kinds of 
smokeless powders, cleaning fluids have been pre- 
pared that give good results. Be careful to use 
the special fluid that is adapted to the particular 
powder used, as the wrong fluid may do harm. 
For cleaning the inside of a barrel a wooden rod 
is best. It shouM have a knob on the end of 
such size that one or two thicknesses of the cotton 
flannel around it will fit the bore snug and tight. 
Square patches of suitable size may then be cut 
in quantities and used as required. Clean from 
the breech end of the barrel whenever possible. 
The slightest burr or injury at the muzzle will 
spoil the accuracy of an otherwise good barrel. 
Particular care should be exercised, especially if a 
steel rod with a slot is used, to prevent the wad 
from "jamming" in the barrel. Continue clean- 
ing the inside of the barrel until tight-fitting 
patches, when withdrawn, show no discoloration, 
and the barrel is warm from the friction of the 
cleaning. Then saturate a fresh patch with good 
oil and pass it through the barrel several times, 
making sure that the entire surface of the grooves 
has been thoroughly coated with oil. After the 
cylinder and other parts are cleaned, they should 



Hints to Beginners 123 



J 



also be oiled. A good oil for cleaning is '' Three 
in One" ; for preventing rust, use refined sperm 
oil. Plenty of oil should be kept on the circle of 
teeth in which the pawl engages in revolving the 
cylinder. If smokeless ammunition is used, the oil 
should be removed from the interior of the bar- 
rel and the chambers of the cylinder, a day or two 
after the first cleaning, and fresh oil applied. 

In warm weather, when the air is humid, arms 
rust very quickly. If they are not kept in an air- 
tight compartment, they should be inspected, and, 
if necessary, oiled every few days. Under ordi- 
nary conditions, a thorough cleaning and oiling 
will preserve the arm in good condition for a 
month. If it is desired to store the arms, or pro- 
tect them for long periods of time, the interior 
surfaces of the frame, and all the mechanism, 
should be carefully cleaned and oiled, and then 
the entire space within the frame filled solid with 
a non-liquid grease, like the Winchester "gun 
grease." After cleaning the barrel and cylinder, 
the bore and chambers in the cylinder should 
also be filled solid with the grease. This treat- 
ment excludes the air, and absolutely prevents 
oxidation. The exterior should be oiled, and then 
coated heavily with "gun grease." Place the arm 



124 The Pistol and Revolver 

in a dry woollen cloth, or flannel cover, and wrap 
it up in a double thickness of new manila paper 
of the weight of ordinary writing paper. Repeat 
this, wrapping twice more, each wrapping inde- 
pendent of the other. Then lay the arm in a dry 
place, where the temperature will always be uni- 
form, and not so warm as to melt the grease. An 
arm protected in this way will remain in good 
condition for a period of two years. 

Reloading Ammunition 
The factory-loaded ammunition for pistols and 
revolvers is so excellent that little is to be gained 
by hand loading. It is sometimes desirable, how- 
ever, to use special loads that are not furnished 
by the factories, and such ammunition must be 
loaded by hand. Then, too, many persons prefer 
to reload ammunition for economical reasons. 
In order to do this successfully, considerable ex- 
perience and skill are necessary. The first attempts 
at reloading are invariably unsatisfactory and dis- 
appointing, and sometimes result disastrously. 
Extreme care and close attention to details are 
absolutely essential, especially if smokeless pow- 
ders are used. It is much the safest and best 
plan for those who are unfamiliar with reloading 



Reloading Ammunition 125 

to observe and study the methods used by skilled 
persons, and, if possible, have their first work 
supervised by an experienced person. 

Primers. — The primers are made of copper 
and brass and are adapted for either black or 
smokeless powders. The primers for pistol and 
revolver cartridges are made more sensitive than 
for rifle cartridges. If, by mistake, rifle-cartridge 
primers are used, there are likely to be many mis- 
fires. The original pasteboard boxes in which 
the cartridges or shells are purchased invariably 
have labels designating the kind of primer that 
should be used in reloading them. The quality 
of the primers affects the results to a much greater 
degree than most persons imagine, especially in 
reduced or gallery charges. In handling or in 
transportation the fulminate is sometimes loosened, 
dropping out of some of the primers and leaving 
them considerably weaker than the rest. On 
opening a new box, empty it carefully, and if any 
appreciable quantity of loose fulminate is found, 
the primers should not be used for ammunition 
intended for fine shooting. 

Shells. — The shells are generally made of brass 
with a solid head containing a pocket for a primer. 
There is considerable variation in the thickness 



126 Tbe Pistol and Revolver 

of the metal from which shells are made by the 
various manufacturers. Since the outside dimen- 
sions must be the same in order to fit the chamber, 
it follows that the inside diameter of the shells will 
vary. When the shell is to be crimped a slight 
difference in the size is unimportant, but for fine 
target work using black powder, it is preferable 
not to crimp the shell. In the latter case the bullet 
must fit sufficiently tight so that it will not be 
dislodged by the recoil of the arm. The size of 
the bore, when adapted to the same cartridge, 
varies a trifle, also, with different manufacturers. 
With the slight difference in the size of the shells 
it is therefore generally possible to select a make 
of shell the size of which will be just right to hold 
snugly in position by friction a bullet that exactly 
fits the bore of the arm. These refinements in 
the fit of the bullet and shell are important 
in securing good results with reduced loads. In 
pistol and revolver shooting, the shells may be re- 
loaded many times with smokeless powders. The 
small charge and the consequent reduced pressure 
do not seem to render the shells brittle and un- 
suitable for reloading, as is the case with the 
shells of many of the high-pressure rifle cartridges. 
Bullets. — In the large ammunition factories 



Reloadiiio- Ammunition 12; 



"^5 



the bullets are made by the swaging process with 
heavy machinery. They are, in consequence, very 
uniform in density and size. They are packed 
in boxes of twenty-five and fifty and are lubricated 
ready for use. While very few persons are able to 
mould bullets as good as those factory-made, 
when bullets of a particular shape, weight, or tem- 
per are desired, they must be moulded. The 
Ideal Manufacturing Company's dipper and melt- 
ing pot^ are useful for this purpose. The best 
quality of lead in bars or pigs should be used. 
If the bullets are to be hardened, "block tin," 
which may be had at any hardware store, is al- 
loyed with the lead. Weigh the proper quantity 
of each metal to give the desired proportions. 
Melt the lead in the pot over a steady fire and 
then add the tin.^ After both are melted immerse 
the dipper and allow it to acquire the temperature 
of the melted lead. Then fill the dipper and, 
with the nozzle horizontal, raise it two or three 
inches above the surface of the lead in the pot. 

^ The Ideal Manufacturing Company of New Haven, Conn., publishes a 
handbook containing full information in regard to moulding bullets, re- 
loading ammunition, tables, and other useful information relating to 
shooting. 

' At this stage add a small quantity of tallow or beeswax to the molten 
metal (about the size of a .45-cal. round bullet) and stir briskly with the 
dipper. This will flux the mixture and make it flow better. 



128 The Pistol and Revolver 

With the mould in the other hand, turn it side- 
wise and bring the pouring hole of the mould to 
the nozzle of the dipper. Then, with the mould 
and dipper in contact, tilt or turn both in this 
position until the dipper is over the mould and the 
nozzle vertical as shown. 

The weight or pressure of the lead in the 
dipper is thus utilized to force the lead into and 




Fig. 53. — Moulding Bullets. 

completely fill the corners of the mould. It will be ^ 
necessary to mould forty or fifty bullets before the 
mould acquires the proper temperature and casts 
first-class bullets. All imperfect bullets should be 
thrown back into the melting-pot. Experience 
has shown that the best results are obtained when 
the lead and mould are such a temperature that 
two or three seconds elapse before the lead solidi- 



Reloading Ammunition 129 

fies in the pouring hole after the nozzle has been 
removed from it. Do not allow the lead to get 
red-hot, as it oxidizes very rapidly and more dross 
forms on its surface at that temperature. The 
dross should be skimmed off and not allowed to 
collect in the dipper. A new mould will not cast 
perfect bullets until the surfaces in contact with 
the lead are free from oil and have become oxi- 
dized, assuming a deep blue color. Provide a soft 
surface for the bullets to fall upon after releasing 
them from the mould, as they are easily deformed 
while hot. The sliding top or " cut-off " should 
be operated by pressing down the lever end on a 
board or table, or striking the lever with a small 
wooden mallet. The mould is then opened, and 
the bullet drops out. If the bullet sticks in the 
mould, strike the empty half of the mould on the 
outside, directing the blow toward the bullet. 
This wnll jar the bullet out of the mould without 
difficulty. Never strike the mould with a hammer 
or any hard substance, and never attempt to pry a 
bullet out of the mould or touch the interior 
surface with anything that will mar it. The least 
indentation of the sharp edges of the mould will 
cause the bullets to stick and make them imper- 
fect. After using, oil the interior and exterior 



130 The Pistol and Revolver 

surfaces and joints while warm, wrap in a dry 
cloth, and keep in a dry place where it will not 
rust. The safest way is to fill the inside of the 
mould solid with "gun grease" after it has 
cooled. 

The fit of the bullets is very important. 
Nearly all the bullets for revolver cartridges have 
been designed to be used with black powder. 
Many of them are slightly under size and have 
concave bases which upset sufficiently, on the 
ignition of the regulation powder charge, to fill 
the grooves of the barrel. Reduced charges of 
black powder, and smokeless powders, even in full 
charges, seldom upset the bases of these bullets, 
and the powder gas escapes around the sides of 
the bullet, which is known as "gas cutting." 
This is fatal to accuracy. For smokeless powders 
and reduced loads the concave cavity at the base 
of the bullet must be large enough to reduce the 
thickness of the outer rim of the bullet and 
weaken it so it will be expanded sufficiently by the 
powder to fill the grooves of the barrel ; or the 
diameter of the bullet should be increased so as 
to produce the same effect. A simple test to 
determine the fit of the bullet is to force it into 
a clean barrel, and then hold the barrel in the 



Reloading Ammunition 131 

direction of a window or bright light. If light 
can be seen in any of the grooves around the 
bullet, it is too small for smokeless powder. The 
remedy is to have the bullet mould reamed out 
and enlarged so the bullets will be the proper size. 
To determine the actual diameter of the bore of 
a pistol or revolver, oil the inside of the barrel 
liberally and then force a bullet into it a couple 
of inches. With a short wooden cleaning rod, 
hold the bullet in that position while you drive 
against it with another rod from the opposite 
direction, swaging it so as to fill the barrel. This 
must be done gently and carefully so as not to 
strain or injure the barrel. The bullet is then 
driven out and carefully measured with a microm- 
eter gauge. Many who mould their own bullets 
prefer to order the mould to cast the bullets the 
exact size to fit the barrel ; while others prefer to 
have the mould cast the bullet one or two thou- 
sandths of an inch too large, and then pass them 
through a sizing tool, reducing them to the 
correct size. The latter method insures absolute 
uniformity. For smokeless powders the bullets 
are generally cast a little harder than for black 
powder, the proportions being from 30 to i, to 20 
to I, of lead and tin respectively. To secure 



132 The Pistol and Revolver 

good results, the bullets should not vary more 
than 2^ ^^ weight. 

The next operation after moulding the bullets 
is to lubricate them. A good lubricant may be 
prepared by melting together i^ lb. of Japan 
wax, I lb. of mutton tallow, and i lb. of vaseline. 
The bullets should be set in a shallow pan, bases 
down, and with a small space separating them. 
The lubricant can then be poured around them 
until it rises high enough to fill the top cannelure. 
After cooling, the bullets are cut out of the 
lubricant by forcing them into the mouth of a 
specially prepared shell with the top or head cut 
off. Each bullet is picked up in this way and 
then pushed out with a round stick. Any lubri- 
cant on the base of the bullet should be removed 
with a cloth before loading. An excellent 
machine for lubricating bullets is made by the 
Ideal Manufacturing Company. The machine 
sizes and lubricates the bullet at one operation. 
It is rapid, clean, and performs the work perfectly. 

Powders, — American powder manufacturers 
have no uniform practice in regard to des^ignating 
the different grades of powder, sizes of grains, 
etc. The powders that give the best results 
under certain conditions must therefore be classi- 



Reloading Ammunition 133 

fied. The following black powders are best suited 
for ammunition in which the charge is ten to 
twenty grains : — 

American Powder Mills Rifle Cartridge No. 4. 

Hazard Powder Company's '' Kentucky Rifle 
F F G." 

E. L Dupont de Nemours & Company's ''Du- 
pont Rifle F F G." 

Laflin & Rand Powder Company's " Orange 
Rifle Extra F F G." 

King Powder Company's '* Semi-smokeless 
F F G." 

When the charge is less than ten grains in 
weight, one size finer grain of the above powders 
should be used ; and for charges heavier than 
twenty grains, one size coarser grain will give the 
best results. 

For reduced or gallery charges, the high-grade 
quick-burning shotgun powders are sometimes 
used, such as " Hazard's Electric," " Dupont's 
Diamond Grain," etc. These pow^ders should not 
be used in full charges, and if compressed in the 
shell will give very irregular shooting. 

Smokeless powder differs from black not only 
in composition, but also in the phenomena that 
attend combustion. Special conditions are there- 



1 34 The Pistol and Revolver 

fore created which have an important bearing on 
the results. Smokeless powders are divided into 
two general classes, designated as " bulk " and 
"dense," the former having approximately the 
same strength as an equal bulk of black powder, 
while the same quantity by bulk of the latter may 
have from five to ten times the strength of 
black powder. The bulk powders may be used 
very much the same as black powder, except that 
they should never be compressed. No air space 
is required between the powder and the bullet. 
Dupont's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 and 
Hazard's Smokeless Rifle Powder No. 2 are good 
examples of the bulk powders. 

The dense powders, such as du Pont & Co/s 
BulFs-eye, Walsrode, Ballastite, and others, on 
account of their concentrated form, must be ma- 
nipulated with great care and precision. The same 
quantity by bulk as black powder of any of these 
would in many cases cause disaster. Special 
shells with an annular crease, which only admits 
the bullet a certain distance into the mouth of 
the shell, and providing an air space, must in all 
cases be used with these powders. Some varie- 
ties of smokeless powders, like Walsrode, require 
a certain amount of confinement in order to secure 



Reloading Ammunition 



■00 



complete combustion, and do not give good results 
unless the shell is crimped securely to the bullet. 
A table giving the proper charges is supplied by 
all the manufacturers of smokeless powders, suit- 
able for revolver and pistol shooting. These 
charges should in no case be increased. If it is 
desired to adapt a smokeless charge to a special 
bullet, which gives good results with black pow- 
der, the approximate equivalent in smokeless can 
easily be calculated from the powder company's 
table of charges. If the calculated charge does 
not give good results, compare the penetration of 
the smokeless charge with the black powder 
charge, and modify the former until it gives ap- 
proximately the same penetration as the latter. 
If this does not correct the difficulty, the fit of the 
bullet should be investigated, and possibly it may 
have to be increased in size slightly and hardened 
before the best results will be obtained. 

No attempt should be made to secure higher 
velocities or greater penetration with the ordinary 
lead bullet than is obtained with black powder. 
Such results can only be produced with hard 
alloy or jacketed bullets, special rifling, etc., and 
in arms designed to withstand the severe condi- 
tions incident to such augmented effects. Exces- 



1 36 The Pistol and Revolver 

sive charges in regulation arms, besides being 
extremely dangerous, are likely to cause the bullet 
to strip the rifling and lead the barrel. 

Reloading. — Suitable tools for reloading are 
furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing Company, 
Smith & Wesson, and the Winchester Repeating 
Arms Company. These usually consist of one or 
more combination tools, with which the various 
operations of reloading may be performed with 
rapidity and precision. In reloading ammunition 
the one thing to be borne in mind above all else is 
uniformity. No matter how excellent may be the 
quality of the powder, or how perfect the bullets, if 
there is any variation in quantity, size, etc., the 
results will surely be irregular and disappointing. 
The bullets should be of the same diameter and 
weight, the mouth of the shells of uniform size, the 
powder accurately measured, and all the details 
in the operation of loading each shell should be 
as nearly identical as it is possible to make them. 

Shells that have been loaded with black pow- 
der will corrode very rapidly if not properly and 
promptly cared for. The primer should be ex- 
tracted from the shells as soon as practicable 
after firing. The shells should then be im- 
mersed in hot soap-suds and stirred around 



Reloading Ammunition 137 

briskly until thoroughly washed. If it is desired 
to brighten them or to remove corrosion, add 
one tablespoonful of sulphuric acid to each 
quart of suds. Rinse the shells in two clean 
boiling waters by agitating them as before, and 
then dry them by exposure to sunlight or mild 
heat. Intense heat will draw the temper of the 
shells and ruin them. If the shells were origi- 
nally crimped they will have to be opened with 
the tool so as to admit the bullet without shav- 
ing off or abrading its surface. The Ideal Man- 
ufacturing Company can furnish a special plug, 
screwed to the tool, by which the primer may 
be extracted and the mouth of the shell opened 
in one operation, the tool automatically releas- 
ing the shell from the plug, thus making the 
operation of opening the mouth of the shell 
rapid and easy. In the case of smokeless pow- 
ders the cleaning of the shells is not so import- 
ant, but is desirable, as some of the powders 
leave a sticky residue which interferes more or 
less with the reloading process. 

After the shells have been cleaned and dried 
the new primers may be placed in position. In 
doing this be sure to seat them firmly on the 
bottom of the pocket and below the surface of 



138 Tbe Pistol and Revolver 

the head of the shell. This will prevent mis- 
fires and premature explosions. 

The measuring of the powder charge is the 
most important detail in reloading ammunition. 
There are several devices to measure powder 
that are convenient and fairly accurate. Those 
furnished by the Ideal Manufacturing Company, 
designated as No. 5 or No. 6, and those made 
by H. M. Pope and D. W. King, Jr., are the 
best. The usual method is to measure the 
powder with a charge cup that is supplied with 
the reloading tools. A quantity of the powder 
should be poured from the can into a small box 
and the charge cup dipped into it and filled. 
With a thin lead-pencil tap the cup lightly two or 
three times on the side to settle the powder uni- 
formly. If the powder settles below the top of the 
cup dip the cup into the powder again and fill it, 
being careful not to tilt the cup so as to disturb 
the powder already in it. Strike off the powder 
in the cup with the pencil and pour it into the 
shell. By measuring the powder in this way 
and verifying it by weighing each charge in a 
delicate balance, a high degree of skill may be 
acquired in a short time. Ordinary revolver 
charges should not vary more than one-tenth of 



Reloading Ammunition 139 

a grain in weight. The charge cup method is 
preferred by many in measuring smokeless pow- 
ders, as some varieties, being coarse grained and 
light in weight, are liable to form large voids. 
Such voids are invariably corrected when the 
charge cup is tapped and the powder settles. 

After the desired quantity of shells has been 
primed and charged with powder, the bullets, 
properly lubricated, are started into the shells 
by hand and then one by one the cartridges are 
placed in the reloading tool, which seats the 
bullet and crimps the shell. 

In reduced charges when the bullet is seated 
below the mouth of the shell, the tool should 
be adjusted so as not to crimp the shell. The 
black powder gallery loads, as given under 
''Ammunition," are entirely satisfactory and are 
fairly accurate up to distances of twenty yards. 
Fired from a 6i-inch barrel they will generally 
shoot within a li-inch circle at that distance. 
In loading cartridges in which the shells are not 
crimped on the bullets, it is very important that 
both the shells and the bullets should be abso- 
lutely uniform in size, so that the fit of the bul- 
lets in the shell will be the same in all cases. 
By reloading some of the shells oftener than 



I40 The Pistol and Revolver 

others or with different charges, the expansion 
of the shells will vary and the bullets will fit 
more or less tightly. Such ammunition when 
fired will vary in elevation. It is well to begin 
with new shells using the same load in them and 
reloading them the same number of times. 
Even with the same charge and under appar- 
ently identical conditions a few of the shells will 
expand differently. This variation will however 
be readily discovered in seating the bullets with 
the tool. Cartridges in which the bullets seat 
with greater or less effort than the average 
should be carefully separated from the rest and 
not used when fine shooting is required. 

In reloading ammunition with round bullets 
the neck of the bullet should be up, opposite 
the powder side. In this position the neck is 
always in sight, and any turning of the bullet so 
as to bring the neck on the side and in contact 
with the barrel will be apparent and can be cor- 
rected. All round bullets should be at least 
i/iooo of an inch larger in diameter than the 
bottom of the grooves of the barrel. This 
causes them to deform slightly on the circle of 
contact with the barrel, and creates a narrow 
cylindrical surface around the bullet, securing a 



Reloading Ammunition 141 

better bearing and greatly increasing the accur- 
acy. It also insures the tight fitting of the bul- 
let in the shell, preventing it from being dis- 
placed by the recoil. If round bullets fit loose- 
ly, or if there is the slightest imperfection in the 
bullet where it comes in contact with the shell 
or the barrel, ''gas-cutting" will result and hot 
lubricant is liable to pass by the bullet into the 
powder charge. In either case the accuracy is 
impaired. 

In reduced loads when black powder or 
''bulk" smokeless powder is used, the bullets 
may be seated so as to just touch the powder 
charge; never so as to compress it. When 
"dense" smokeless powder is used a suitable air 
space must always be provided. This is neces- 
sary both w^hen round or conical bullets are 
used. With all forms of conical bullets, how- 
ever, and wdien using either "dense" or "bulk" 
smokeless powder, in full or reduced charges, 
better results are generally obtained by seating 
the bullets in the regulation position and crimp- 
ing the shells moderately and uniformly on the 
middle of the front band of the bullet. 

When it is desired for any reason to seat the 
bullets below the mouth of the shell in ammu- 



142 



The Pistol and Revolver 



nition loaded with *' dense" smokeless powder, 
the amount of the air space will affect the 
accuracy to an extraordinary degree. The po 
sition of the bullets in the shells as given in the 
following table will provide approximately the 
right air space and give good results : 



Case or Shell. 


"3 w 
Q 


Bullet and 

Weight 
in Grains. 


Brand of Smokeless Powder and 
Weight in Grains. 


a5~ 


.38 S.&W. Special. 
.44 S. & W. Russian 
.44 S. & W. Russian 
.44 S. & W. Russian 
.45 Colt 


.361 
.431 
.430 
.430 
.456 
.456 


Round 72 .. 

" 121 

Conical 160 

Conical gal. no 

Round 145 

Conical 144 .... 


du Pont & Co.'s Bull's-eye, 2.0.. 

2.3.. 
" 2.4.. 

2.3.. 

2.5.. 
du Pont Sl Co.'s Shot-gun, 8.0. . 


Ts in. 
Tu in. 

^in. 

iin. 

i in. 
Flush 


.45 Colt 







When round bullets are used, the lubricant 
must be applied after they have been seated. 
This can best be done with a small brush. The 
brush is dipped into melted lubricant and then 
passed around the bullet where it is in contact 
with the shell. Too much lubricant is undesir- 
able. At least three-quarters of the surface of 
the bullet should project above the lubricant. 
By keeping the lubricant at a constant temper- 
ature, the quantity adhering to the brush will 
be approximately the same and the results 
uniform. 



APPENDIX 

ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES OF THE 
UNITED STATES EEVOLVER ASSOCIATION. 

MATCH A— REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to everybody; 
distance, 50 yards; 50 shots on the Standard American target, 8-inch 
bull's-eye, 10 ring 3.36 inches; arm, any revolver within the rules; 
ammunition, any; the score must be completed in one hour or less 
from the time of firing the first shot; entrance fee, $3; no re- 
entries. 

Prizes: Firstf the championship silver cup (value, $200), to be held 
by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on 
the cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, *' This Cup Represents the 
Revolver Championship of the United States of America"; the 
name of the winner, the year and the score are also engraved on 
the cup each year; to the winner is also awarded a gold medal 
(value, $25), with the same inscription on the reverse side as ap- 
pears on the cup. 

Second, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

Fourth, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to 
every competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 425 or 
better. 

MATCH B— PISTOL. CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to everybody; dis- 
tance, 50 yards; 50 shots on same target as Match A; arm, any 
pistol within the rules; ammunition, any; the score must be com- 
pleted in one hour or less from the time of firing the first shot; 
entrance fee, $a; no re-entries. 

Prizes: First, the championship silver cup (value, $175), to be held 
by the winner until the next annual competition; inscribed on the 
cup, in raised ornamental letters, is, " This Cup Represents the 
Pistol Championship of the United States of America"; the name 
of the winner, the year and the score are also engraved on the cup 
each year; to the winner is also awarded a gold medal (value, $25), 
with the same inscription on the reverse side as appears on the cup. 



144 The Pistol and Revolver 

Second, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse 

^\hird, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 
Fourth, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 

side. , . T 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side 
A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to 

every competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 435 or 

better. 

MATCH C-MILITARY CHAMPIONSHIP.-Open to everybody; 
distance, 50 yards; fifteen consecutive strings of ^ shots on the 
same target as Match A; each string must be shot withm the time 
limit of 15 seconds, taking time from the command, Fire; misfires 
and shots lost on account of the arm becoming disabled while firing 
any string will be scored zero; if a shot is fired after the time limit 
has elapsed, the shot of highest count will be deducted from the 
score; no cleaning allowed; arm, any military revolver, or any mili- 
tary magazine pistol within the rules; ammunition, the full charge 
service cartridge, or equivalent factory loaded ammunition approved 
by the executive committee; the score must be completed on the 
same day; no sighting shots will be allowed after beginnmg the 
score; entrance tee, $3; no re-entries. 

Prizes: First, the championship silver trophy (an elaborate silver 
bowl value $450), to be held by the winner until the next annual 
competition; the trophy bears the inscription, "The Military Re- 
volver Championship of the United States of America' ; the name 
of the winner, the year, and the score are also engraved on the 
trophy each year; to the winner is also awarded a gold medal 

(value. $25), with the same inscription on the reverse side as ap- 
pears on the trophy. 
Second, a silver and gold medal, with inscription on the reverse 

side. , .n 

Third a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 
Fourth, a bronze and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 

side. , ., 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 
A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to every 
competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 500 or better 

In 1900 and 1901 the military target with a 4 x 5-inch elliptical 
bull's-eye was used. The bull's-eye counted 5 and the Possible was 
375. Since then the Standard American target with the 8-incn 
bull's-eye has been used. Prior to 1904, twenty-five shots y^re fired 
at each of three ranges-25, 50 and 75 yards. That year the other 
ranges were discontinued and the 75 shots have since been fired at 
50 yards only. 

MATCH D-MILITARY RECORD MATCH.-Open to everybody; 
distance, 50 yards; five consecutive strings of 5 shots y^der ^he 
same conditions as Match C; entrance fee, $1; entries unlimited. 



Appendix H5 

This match was instituted in 1902. Being a re-entry match it 
affords good practice under the same conditions as Match C. 

Prizes: First, a gold trophy (a laurel wreath surrounding a scroll, 
mounted on an ebony shield; value, $150); between the scroll and 
the wreath is a ribbon on which, in raised letters, is, " The United 
States Revolver Association "; at the top of the scroll is engraved, 
" Military Record Match." The name of the winner, the year, and 
the score for each year are engraved on the scroll below; this 
trophy is held by the winner until the next annual competition, 
and is to become the property of the competitor winning it three 
times. 

Second, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

Third, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

A bronze honor medal of the same design is also awarded to 
every competitor, not a prize winner, making a score of 175 or 
better. 

INDOOR REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP.-Open to everybody; 
distance, 20 yards; light must be artificial; 50 shots on the Standard- 
American target, bull's-eye 2.72 inches and 10 ring 1.13 inches in 
diameter, respectively; arm, any revolver within the rules; am- 
munition, any smokeless gallery charge. The score must be com- 
pleted in one hour or less from the time of firing the first shot. 
Entrance fee, $3; no re-entries. 

Prizes: First, a silver cup (value, $40), bearing the names and 
scores of the winners, to be held until the next annual competition, 
the cup to become the property of the person winning it three 
times. 

Second, a gold and silver medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Third, a silver medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

Fourth, a silver and bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse 
side. 

Fifth, a bronze medal, with inscription on the reverse side. 

A bronze honor medal will also be awarded to any competitor, 
not a prize winner, making a score of 425 or better. 

INDOOR PISTOL CHAMPIONSHIP.— Open to everybody; dis- 
tance, 20 yards; light must be artificial; 50 shots on the Standard- 
American target; bull's-eye 2.72 inches and 10 ring 1.13 inches in 
diameter, respectively; arm, any pistol within the rules; ammuni- 
tion, any smokeless gallery charge. Black powder may be used in 
22 cal. arms. The score must be completed in one hour or less 
from the time of firing the first shot. Entrance fee, $3; no re- 
entries. 

Prizes: The same as in the Indoor Revolver Championship, excep't 
that honor medals are awarded for scores of 435 or better. 



146 The Pistol and Revolver 

EXILES AND EEGULATIONS GOVERNING THE 
CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES OF THE U. S. E. A. 

1. General Conditions.— Competitors must make themselves ac- 
quainted with the rules and regulations of the Association, as the 
plea of ignorance will receive no consideration. The rulings and 
decisions of the executive committee are final in all cases. These 
rules are for general application, but will not apply in cases where 
the special conditions of any match conflict with them. 

2. Classification of Arms.— in) Any revolver. A revolver of any 
calibre. Maximum length of barrel including cylinder, 10 inches. 
Minimum trigger pull, 2^ pounds. Sights may be adjustable but 
they must be strictly open, in front of the hammer and not over 
10 inches apart. 

(b) Any pistol. A pistol of any calibre. Maximum length of bar- 
rel, 10 inches. Minimum trigger pull, 2 pounds. Sights may be 
adjustable but they must be strictly open, in front of the hammer 
and not over 10 inches apart. 

(c) Military revolver or pistol. A revolver, or a magazine pistol, 
that has been adopted by any civilized government for the arma- 
ment of its army or navy. Maximum weight, 2| pounds. Maxi- 
mum length of barrel, 7^ inches. Minimum trigger pull, 4 pounds. 
Fixed open sights. Rear sights of magazine pistols may be ad- 
justable for elevation only. 

(d) Pocket revolver. A revolver having a maximum weight of 2 
pounds. Maximum length of barrel, 4 inches. Minimum trigger 
pull, 4 pounds. Sights and model must be such as not to hinder 
quick drawing of the weapon from the pocket or holster. 

3. Loading, Firing, Timing and Gleaning.— In all revolver and pistol 
matches the weapon must not be loaded until the competitor has 
taken his position at the firing point. The barrel must always be 
kept vertical or pointed towards the target. After a match or 
record score has been begun, in case of an accidental discharge or 
of defective ammunition, if the bullet comes out of the barrel it 
will be scored a shot. The timing in matches C and D will be as 
follows: The competitor standing at the firing point with the arm 
loaded, not cocked, and the barrel pointing downward in a direc- 
tion not less than 45 degrees from the target, will signify to the 
scorer when he is ready to begin each string. The scorer, stop 
watch in hand, will then give the command, " Fire," and exactly 
fifteen seconds later announce, ** Time." Misfires will not be scored 
except in matches C and D. Competitors may clean weapons in 
matches A and B, and in the Indoor Championships, but no time 
allowance will be made for time spent in this way. All competitors 
will be required to finish their scores within the time limits speci- 
fied, except in cases of accident, when the time may be expended 
at the option of the executive committee. Blowing through the 
barrel, to moisten it, will be considered cleaning. 



Appendix i47 

In revolver matches the arm must not be used as a single loader 
or loaded so as to use a limited number of chambers in the cylinder. 
The cylinder must be charged with the full number of rounds for 
which it is chambered, and these must be shot consecutively. If 
scores are shot in ten shot strings, the cylinder shall be charged 
first with six rounds and then with four rounds. If the cylinder 
only contains five chambers, then the ten shot strings may be shot 
in two strings of five each. In matches C and D, and in the indoor 
or gallery events, the arm shall in all cases be charged with five 
rounds. 

4. Position.— l^Yie position shall be standing, free from any sup- 
port, the pistol or revolver being held in one hand, with arm ex- 
tended, so as to be free from the body. 

5. Anns.— Any revolver or pistol which in the opinion of the ex- 
ecutive committee complies with the conditions specified in the 
various matches will be allowed to compete in those events. Re- 
volvers or magazine pistols that have been adopted by any govern- 
ment for the armament of its army or navy, or such as in the 
opinion of the executive committee are suitable for military ser- 
vice, will be allowed in matches C and D. Among the arms which 
may be used in these matches are the .38 calibre Smith & Wesson 
or Colt military; .44 Smith & Wesson, Russian model; 44 Colt New 
Service; .45 Smith & Wesson Scofield; .45 Smith & Wesson New 
Century; .45 Colt, and the following magazine or automatic pistols: 
Colt, Borchardt, Luger, Mannlicher, Mauser, Mors. 

6. Sights.— In open sights, the notch of the rear sight must be as 
wide on top as at any part. Aperture or peep sights or any cov- 
ered or shaded sights will not be allowed. The use of a notch for 
the front sight will not be permitted. Sights may be smoked or 
blackened if desired. Sights on military arms, if modified to suit 
individuals, must remain strictly open, strong and substantial, and 
suitable for military use. 

7. Trigger-Pull.— The trigger-pull as specified in the various events 
shall be determined by a test weight equal to the minimum pull 
applied at a point three-eighths of an inch from the end of the trig- 
ger and at right angles to the pin through the trigger. 

8. Ammunition.— In matches C and D, and in the medal competi- 
tion, where full charge ammunition is required, it may be the 
product of any reputable manufacturer. It must in all cases be 
brought to the firing point in unbroken boxes, with the label of the 
manufacturer intact. 

.9. Targets. The 200-yard Standard American rifie target No. 1 
(containing the 4 ring), with an eight-inch bull's-eye shall be used 
in all matches at 50 yards. The diameters of the rings are as fol- 
lows: 10 ring equals 3.36 inches; 9 ring equals 5.54 inches; 8 ring 
equals 8 inches; 7 ring equals 11 inches; 6 ring equals 14.8 inches; 
5 ring equals 19.68 inches; 4 ring equals 26 inches; rest of target 
28 inches by 28 inches counts 3. The same target reduced so that 
the bulL's-eye or 8 ring is 2.72 inches in diameter and the 10 ring 1.13 
Inches in diameter, shall be used for all matches at 20 yards. 



148 The Pistol and Revolver 

10. Marldng and Scoring.— In all matches new paper targets shall 
be furnished for each competitor. Not more than ten shots are to 
be fired on any target at 50 yards, and not more than five shots on 
any target in matches C and D and for all shooting at 20 yards; 
the shot holes in all cases to remain uncovered and left as shot. 
Bullets touching, striking, or within a line on the target are to be 
scored the count of that line. The eye alone shall determine 
whether a bullet touches a line or not. 

11. Ties.— Ties shall be decided as follows: (1) By the score at the 
longest distance; (2) by the score at the next longest distance; (3) 
by the fewest number of shots of lowest count; (4) by firing five 
shots each under the same conditions as the match and these rules 
in regard to ties, until decided. 

12. Supervision.— The shooting in all the U. S. R. A. events must 
take place in the presence of at least two witnesses, one of whom 
must be an authorized officer of the local club, or shooting or- 
ganization, or a governor appointed by the U. S. R. A. This officer 
shall certify that each contestant has complied with all the U. S. 
R. A. regulations as to distance, weapon, time, ammunition, etc., 
noting same on the blank spaces provided on the score cards and 
signing the score cards in duplicate for each contestant. 

13. Protests.— Any person who believes that an Injustice has been 
done, or who dissents from the decision of any authorized execu- 
tive oflScer of the association, may enter a protest on depositing $1 
with the cashier or acting treasurer of the club or organization 
under whose auspices the matches are held. Such protest must be 
in w^riting, in duplicate, and must be made within 24 hours after 
the incident on which it is based. One copy to be handed to the 
executive officer of the club or organization conducting the matches 
and the other copy to be mailed to the secretary-treasurer of the 
U. S. R. A. All protests will be investigated and passed upon by 
the executive committee, and, if sustained, the protest fee will be 
returned; otherwise it will be forfeited. 

14. Records.— The shooting for records shall, when practicable, be 
done on the grounds or in a gallery of a regularly organized shoot- 
ing association, military organization or club, and in the presence 
of at least two witnesses, one of whom shall be an oflftcer of the 
U. S. R. A., of such shooting organization or club. The foregoing 
rules and regulations and the conditions governing the champion- 
ship matches of the U. S. R. A. must in all cases be observed and 
followed. The record score shall begin with the first shot after the 
shooter has announced his intention to shoot for record; only the 
first ten shots will apply to the ten shot record; the first twenty 
shots to the twenty shot record, and so on to 50 or 100 shots, as the 
shooter may desire. Such scores for record must in all cases be 
completed within the same proportional time limit as is specified 
for the corresponding championship match. After finishing the 
record score, the target shall be identified and signed by the wit- 
nesses as above designated. The witnesses shall also prepare and 
sign a certificate of prescribed form, which, with the detailed score 



Appendix 149 



and all targets, shall be forwarded to the U. S. R. A., addressed to 
the secretary-treasurer. If all the conditions, rules and regulations 
have been complied with, the scoring correct, and if the score is 
higher than or equal to any previously made under the same con- 
ditions, it will be declared a new record. The score will then be 
entered as such in the record book of the association, and the 
shooter formally notified to that effect. 



METHODS AND CUSTOMS TO BE FOLLOWED IN 
CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL COMPETITIONS 
OF THE U. S. E. A. 

The conditions under which local clubs may be authorized to con- 
duct the Championship Matches of the U. S. R. A. are as follows: 

There must be not less than six members of the Association re- 
siding within twenty-five miles of the proposed place of holding the 
contest and there must be not less than three entries in one of the 
Championship matches. 

The U. S. R. A. will furnish certified targets, score cards, and 
the prizes for the Championship events; the club or organization 
to furnish the shooting facilities free of expense to the Association 
and turn over to the secretary-treasurer all the entrance fees for 
the U. S. R. A. events. This plan has in all cases given satisfactory 
results, because the practice shooting of the contestants in the local 
re-entry matches usually affords sufficient revenue to pay the ex- 
penses of the tournament. 

When a competitor signifies his intention to shoot in any of the 
events after paying the entrance fee, a regular ticket or duplicate 
score card (furnished by the United States Revolver Association) 
is filled out and issued to him, which is his receipt for the entrance 
fee. His score need not necessarily be shot immediately after issu- 
ing the ticket. The ticket, however, gives him his right of priority 
in case he wishes to shoot at a certain time and there are other 
competitors who wish to shoot also at that time. Tickets not used 
are forfeited. 

The requisite number of targets will also be issued simultane- 
ously with the score card. These must be numbered consecutively, 
they must have the competitors name and number of his score 
card written on them for identification, and must be shot in their 
numerical order. The targets are usually tacked at the corners on 
alternating frames covered with canvas with heavy paper pasted 
over it. Each target is left in position until the required number of 
shots have been fired a.t it, each shot being spotted and marked as 
fired [no pasters to be used]. When a string has been finished the 
target is lowered and the alternating target raised in position. 



ISO The Pistol and Revolver 

After the score is completed the targets are broug-ht to the firing 
point and delivered to the range oflScer. 

When a competitor wishes to shoot his score, his arm must be 
inspected and passed by the officer in charge, who must see that it 
conforms with the riiles and requirements of the event in which it 
is entered. Competitors who wish to enter in any of the events 
should be urged to have their arms examined by the executive 
oflicer or committee in charge of the matches as soon as possible, 
so that in case there should be any exceptions made to the sights, 
the trigger-pull, or any other details, there will be an opportunity 
to have these exceptions corrected so as to comply with the re- 
quirements when the official test and inspection is made before 
shooting the score. 

In matches C and D the scorer should have a reliable stop watch, 
so that the timing will be accurate. It is well, whenever possible, 
to have two men time the competitor, so as to have an additional 
check. A new target must be furnished for each string of five 
shots at each range. According to the rules, if a competitor starts 
to shoot a string at any range and his arm becomes disabled from 
any cause, those shots which reach the target within fifteen sec- 
onds after the command ** Fire," will be counted as the complete 
score for the five shots. In the case of a disabled arm, the officer 
or committee in charge may allow the competitor to complete the 
remaining strings of his score with another arm. Shots on the 
paper target outside of the 4 ring count 3; shots missing the paper 
target count zero. After completing the score, when the duplicate 
score cards are filled out, the contestant takes the duplicate and 
the range officer retains the original for record. 

All original score cards and all the targets shot in the various 
events are to be carefully preserved and promptly at the close of 
the contest forwarded, carriage prepaid, to the United States Re- 
volver Association, addressed to the secretary-treasurer. 

All unused targets and score cards are to be similarly forwarded 
to the secretary-treasurer with a complete detailed account of 
entrance fees, supplies, etc. 

In the Medal Competition only those targets that actually count 
for medals are to be witnessed, certified and forwarded to the 
secretary-treasurer for verification and record. 

In order that the condition?:; may be uniform and eliminate as 
much as possible the special conditions in regard to wind, etc., that 
may exist at the different places where the matches may be held, 
the shooters should be protected at the firing point by a shelter. 
This may be either the regular shooting house of the club, or, If 
the shooting is done in the open, by a suitable tent or temporary 
frame structure having an opening in the direction of the target; 
the other three sides being inclosed. The building or tent should 
be large enough to accommodate also the officer or committee in 
charge of the match, so that the shooter may be at all times in 
sight of the officer in charge of the range at the time the score is 



Appendix 15^ 

made. A table of suitable size should be provided near the firing 
point for holding ammunition and for the convenience of the com- 
petitor to clean his arm in those events where cleaning is allowed. 
The firing point should be plainly marked and so located as to be 
at least two feet from any timbers, guards, ropes, tables, etc. 



mSTEUCTIONS TO EANGE OFFICERS IN 
CHARGE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTESTS 
OF THE U. S. E. A. 

Certified targets, score cards and reading matter will be furnished 
by this Association. A governor or other officer of the U. S. R. A. 
or local club, shooting or military organization, will be appointed 
in each locality where the matches are to be held to act as range 
officer, represent the Association, and have charge of the contests. 
This governor or officer shall personally measure the range to verify the 
distance and see that all the conditions of the matches are strictly 
complied with. He will also see that at least one other person is 
present to witness all the shooting and he shall certify to the cor- 
rectness of each score and the conditions, by signing the score card 
when the score is completed, and all the targets of each com- 
petitor. The other duties in detail of the governor or officer in 
charge of the matches are as follows: When a competitor ex- 
presses his intention of entering a match, a score card is made out 
in his name and delivered to him on the payment of the entrance 
fee. These score cards are to be issued in numerical order, and 
when more than one contestant wishes to shoot at the same time, 
the man holding the first score card is entitled to the preference 
of position and time. When the contestant is ready to shoot, he 
hands his score card to the governor or other officer of the Asso- 
ciation who thereupon issues the required targets numbered con- 
secutively, with the name of the competitor and the number of his 
score card written on each target. The arm of the competitor is 
then inspected to make sure that it complies with the rules and 
regulations as given in the U. S. R. A. booklet. The sights must 
be carefully inspected and the trigger pull tested by weighing in 
just before the score is begun. The records for which blanks are pro- 
vided on the score card with reference to the arm, ammunition, 
etc., are then filled in and the first target placed in position. As 
soon as the contestant begins his score, the time is taken from the 
firing of the first shot in matches A and B and in the Indoor Cham- 
pionships, and the entire score must be completed within one hour 
from this time. In matches C and D the time is taken from the 
command " Fire," and the five shots must be fired within 15 sec- 
onds. The announcing of intermediate times or seconds is not 



152 The Pistol and Revolver 

allowed. Ten shots are to be fired at each target in matches A 
and B, and five shots at each target in matches C and D and in 
the Indoor Championships. After the score is completed, the sep- 
arate targets are scored and the value of the shots filled in the 
score card, making corrections from the targets, if mistakes have 
been made by the markers, in the order that the targets are shot. 
After filling in and signing the score cards, the duplicate is handed 
to the competitor and the original preserved for record. The tar- 
gets are then signed by the governor and preserved until the ex- 
piration of the period during which the matches are held, when 
all targets, original score cards and other supplies are to be sent 
to the United States Revolver Association, addressed to the Secre- 
tary-Treasurer. It is recommended that all scores after being shot, 
verified, etc., be wrapped in paper in separate packages, marked 
with the competitor's name, and that no one be permitted to handle 
and examine these targets after they have been scored and cer- 
tified to. 

For information relative to state championships, U. S. R. A. 
medal competitions, etc., address the Secretary-Treasurer. 

RECORDS 

The following records have been made under the United States 
Revolver Association rules since their adoption: 

Revolver, 50 yards 

50 shots: 

April 26, 1903, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 

94—91—88—90-95 458 

Sept. 7, 1904, Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 

8 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10—92 

9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10—96 
8 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10—96 

6 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10—91 

7 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 10-90 465 

30 shots: 

April 26, 1903, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 

94—91—88 273 

Sept. 7, 1904, Dr. T. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 

92—96—96 284 

20 shots: 

April 26, 1903, J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal. 

94-91 185 

Sept. 7, 1904, Dr. I. R. Calkins, Springfield, Mass. 

92—96 188 

10 shots: 

J. E. Gorman, San Francisco, Cal., April 26, 1903 94 



Appendix 153 

Military Revolver, Rapid Fire, 50 yards 

75 shots; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: 

Sept. 16, 1904, Thomas Anderton, Creedmoor, N. Y 585 

25 shots; in strings of 5 shots in 15 seconds: 

Sept., 1902, Thomas Anderton, Sea Girt, N. J 206 

Revolver, 20 yards 

50 shots: 

March, 1902, W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 

89—88—94—82-86 439 

June 11, 1903, Dr. ^y. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 

91—93—91—93—96 464 

March 4, 1904, Sidney E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 

95—96—96—95—96 478 

.30 shots: 

March, 1902, W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 

89—88—94 271 

June 11, 1903, Dr. A7. H. Euckett, New York, N. Y. 

91—93—91 275 

March 4, 1904, Sidney E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 

95—96—96 287 

20 shots: 

March, 1902, W. E. Petty, New York, N. Y. 89—88 177 

March, 1903, Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 93—85.... 178 
June 11, 1903, Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y. 91—93.... 184 
March 4, 1904, Sidney E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo. 95—96 191 

10 shots: 

March, 1902, Dr. W. H. Luckett, New York, N. Y 93 

March 4, 1904, Sidney E. Sears, St. Louis, Mo 96 

June 11, 1904, J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass 98 

Nov. 15, 1907, C. C. Grossman, St. Louis, Mo 100 

Pistol, 50 yards 

50 shots: 

April 4, 1903, Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass. 

10 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10—99 

9 9 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 9—94 

9 10 10 9 9 9 10 10 10 10—96 

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9—99 

8 9 9 8 10 9 10 10 9 10—92 480 

30 shots: 

E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass., March 21, 1903. 

96—96—95 287 
Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass., April 4, 1903. 

99—94—96 289 



154 The Pistol and Revolver 

20 shots: 

E. E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, March 21, 1903. 96—96 192 

Thomas Anderton, Walnut Hill, Mass., April 4, 1903. 99—94.. 193 

10 shots: 

Eugene E. Patridge, Walnut Hill, Mass., March 21, 1903 96 

Thomas Anderton, AValnut Hill, Mass., April 4, 1903 99 

Pistol, 20 yards 
50 shots: 

March, 1902, Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 

88—85—87—93—95 448 

March, 1903, Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 

92—97—87—93—91 460 

30 shots: 

March, 1902, Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 

88—85—87 260 

March, 1903, Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 

92—97—87 276 

20 shots: 

March, 1902, Lieut. R. H. Sayre, New York, N. Y. 88—85 173 

March, 1903, Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass. 92—97 189 

10 shots: 

March, 1903, Thomas Anderton, Boston, Mass 92 

March 24, 1906, John A. Dietz, New York, N. Y 93 

May 5, 1906, J. B. Crabtree, Springfield, Mass 95 



INDEX 



Accidents, 86, 105. 

Accuracy of revolver, 29, 45. 

Aiming-, 106 to 110. 

Air space for "dense" powders, 

134, 142. 
Annual matches, 79, 115, 143 to 

145. 
Ammunition, 34 to 52, 147. 
"Any" pistol defined, 146. 
"Any" revolver defined, 146. 
Arms, 15, 147. 
Artificial light, 97. 
Automatic pistol, 22, 23, 24, 26, 

114. 
Automatic revolver, 20, 23. 



BB caps, 114. 

Bisley, 47. 

Blacking sights, 116. 

Bore, to measure, 131. 

Bullets, 126. 

Bullets stuck in barrels, 113. 



Dedication, 3. 
Disqualification, 115. 
Double actions, 104. 
Drawing arms, 118. 
Duelling, 12, 56. 



Exhibition shooting, 30. 



Finish of arms, 103. 

Firing, 146. 

Fit of arms, 101. 

Fit of bullets, 130. 

" Flinching," 24, 89, 104. 

Fluids, cleaning, 122. 

Fluxing lead, 127. 

Fouling, 34, 43, 51, 119, 121. 

Franco-American matches, 

to 71. 
" Freak " arms, 30. 



G 



Care in handling arms, 105. 
Carrying arms, 119. 
Cartridges, center fire, 38. 
Cartridges, rim fire, 35. 
Central-fire ammunition, 38. 
Championship matches, 143 to 

145. 
Cheap arms, to be avoided, 16, 

100. 
Classification of arms, 146. 
Cleaning and care of arms, 121 

to 124, 143. 
Clubs, 90. 
Coaching, 111. 

Competing in matches, 114. 
Confinement of powder, 134. 
Corrosion, 82, 123. 
Crimping shells, 135. 



Gallery charges, 139 to 142, 
Gallery ranges, 95 to 98, 
" Gas cutting," 1-30. 



H 

Handles or stocks, 103. 
Hardening bullets, 131. 
Hat for shooting, 116. 
Hints for beginners, 1(X). 
Holding position, 102, 110. 
Holster weapons, 32, 118. 
Hunting charges, 50. 



International matches, 68 to 71. 



156 



Tbe Pistol and Revolver 



R 



Ladies' clubs, 88. 

Ladies, pistol shooting for, 86. 

Larg-e calibers, 80. 

Leading* of barrel, 113. 

Long range shooting, 72. 

Lubricant, 36, 132. 

Lubricating bullets, 132, 142. 



M 

Manipulation, 105. 
Marking, 92, 148. 
Matches, 121, 143, 144, 145. 
Measuring powder, 138. 
Metal-cased bullets, 51. 
Military arms, 16. 
Misfires, .22-cal., 114. 
Moulding bullets, 127 to 130. 
Muzzle loading pistol, 11. 
Muzzle velocities, 49. 



Rapid fire shooting, 117. 

Ranges, 90. 

Range officers, 115, 151. 

Records, 65, 67, 68, 148, 152. 

Record, definition of, 68. 

Reduced charges, 139 to 142. 

Reloading ammunition, 124 to 
142. 

Revolver practice, 73 to 79, 119, 
120. 

Revolver practice for the po- 
lice, 82. 

Revolver, definition of, 15, 146. 

Rim fire cartridges, 35. 

Round bullets, 140 to 142. 

Rule to correct sights. 111. 

Rules, 99, 146 to 151. 

Rust, 82, 85, 123. 



N 

National Guard revolver prac- 
tice, 76. 
National organizations, 30. 
National Rifie Association, 15. 



Oils, 122. 

Opening mouth of shells. 



137. 



Paine-Bennett match, 66. 

Paine sights. 54. 

Patridge sight, 54. 

Penetration, 49. 

Physical condition important, 

117. 
Pistols, 25. 

Pistol, definition of, 15, 146. 
Pistol shooting for ladies, 86. 
Pocket arms, 31, 32, 118, 146. 
Position, 55, 106, 147. 
Possibles, 80. 
Powders, 132 to 136. 
Powder measures, 138. 
Primers, 120, 125. 
Practice shooting, 73 to 81, 84. 
Proportion of charges, 35. 
Protests, 115, 148. 
Pulling the trigger, 109, 110. 
Pull of trigger, 103, 112. 



Scoring, 80, 148. 
Second hand arms, 100. 
Selecting arms, 100. 
Self-lubricating bullets, 47. 
Shelter for contestants, 150. 
Shooting matches, 121. 
Shells, 125, 136, 137, 140. 
Shooting rules, 99, 146. 
Sights, 16, 53, 54, 111, 112, 147. 
Sizing bullets, 132. 
Small bull's-eyes undesirable, 81. 
Smokeless charges (new), 50. 
Smokeless powder, 48, 133 to 136. 
Spectacles, 116. 
" Spotting," 94. 
Standard American target, 78, 

79. 
Stopping power, 16, 52. 
Supervision, 148. 



Targets, 74, 78, 79, 80, 81, 147. 
Target arms, 24. 
Target, definition of, 61. 
Target shooting, 61, 71, 111. 
Tests, 51, 66. 
Ties, 148. 
Timing, 143. 
Tin for bullets, 127. 
Training, 117. 
Trick shooting, 30. 
Trigger pull, 103, 112, 147. 
'' Trolleys," 96. 



Index 



157 



u 

United States Army medals, 75. 

United States Army regulation 
practice, 73. 

United States Army target, 74. 

United States Navy regulation 
practice, 75. 

United States Revolver Asso- 
ciation, 68, 79, 143 to 151. 



Ventilation, 79. 

W 

Weather conditions, 116. 
Winan's trophy, 67. 
Wind, 116, 117. 
Wrong ammunition, 112. 




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